Promotion of Emergency Earthquake Preparation Projects

Having to manage refuge sites and evacuation routes places a heavy economic burden on local government. In May of 1980, the Earthquake Finance Law was enacted and special measures were taken in the financial area. In May of 1990, this law was extended for an addition 5 years and will be effective until March 31,2000.

Emergency Earthquake Preparation Projects are going ahead under the provisions of this law, with the 6 prefectures under intensified measures against earthquake disaster preparing refuge sites and evacuation routes and reinforcing elementary and junior high school buildings.

(6) Preparations for the South Kanto Earthquake

The Guidelines for Preparation of Earthquake Countermeasures in Major Cities (May 1971) and the Urgent Promotion of Disaster Prevention Measures (May 1983) serve as the basis for the preparations for the South Kanto Earthquake. The South Kanto Earthquake Emergency Countermeasures Manual (December 1988) was written to establish a comprehensive emergency policy within a wide-area and to ensure effective coordination. The Central Disaster Prevention Council received a report from its steering committee and on August 21, 1992 decided the Guidelines for the South Kanto Earthquake Preparations to minimize earthquake damage.

Currently, the national government, relevant local governments and relevant public organizations are coordinating closely to formulate concrete measures in accordance with these guidelines.

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