「巨大きょだい地震じしん注意ちゅうい」自治体じちたいなどの対応たいおうガイドラインを見直みなおし公表こうひょう

It will be one year on the 8th since the Major Earthquake Advisory for the Nankai Trough Earthquake Temporary Information was issued.

Based on lessons learned from last year, the government reviewed and published guidelines summarizing the actions that local governments and businesses should take when an emergency advisory is issued.

In the case of a major earthquake warning, it is clearly stated that, in principle, railway operation restrictions are not required, and municipalities and operators are encouraged to consider how to respond.

In August last year, for the first time, a Major Earthquake Advisory was issued as a Nankai Trough Earthquake Temporary Information following an earthquake with its epicenter in the Hyuga-nada Sea. For a week, people were urged to review their earthquake preparedness.

Although guidelines had been provided in advance, there was confusion among local governments and businesses about how to respond, partly because the focus was mainly on the major earthquake warning issued when an earthquake of magnitude 8 or higher occurs.

For this reason, the Cabinet Office, which is responsible for disaster prevention measures, has revised the guidelines to focus on the actions that local governments and businesses should take when releasing information.

In this context, it is stated that, in principle, railway companies are not required to suspend operations or impose speed restrictions in the event of a major earthquake warning.

Additionally, it summarizes the measures actually taken last year, including Tokushima Citys efforts to hold the Awa Odori festival after installing emergency power supplies and guide lights at evacuation sites. It also includes cases where information was provided in foreign languages and in Easy Japanese, along with the lessons learned by those involved.

In addition, questions submitted to the government and others, along with proposed answers, are also included. Regarding the holding of events, it states that it is desirable to hold them as much as possible, based on appropriate measures such as confirming preparedness, but also notes that in the case of a major earthquake warning, it is necessary to consider canceling events for activities that clearly pose a threat to life, such as those within designated pre-evacuation areas.

The Cabinet Office says, We want people to decide in advance on their disaster response based on the new guidelines, so that they can respond smoothly when emergency information is announced.