Local government officials and residents review evacuation procedures during a September 29 comprehensive disaster prevention drill in Kurobe City, Toyama Prefecture.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba says the creation of a "Disaster Prevention Agency" is one of his policy pillars. However, making that proposal a reality could take some time.
If that is so, we should think of easier ways to contribute to disaster prevention. For example, how about establishing a "Climate and Disaster Prevention Day"?
There are increasingly severe weather events believed to be caused by global warming. Large-scale floods that threaten the lives and livelihoods of many citizens are occurring every year.
Before the arrival of the season of torrential rains and typhoons, individual citizens, local communities, local governments, and the national government must work together to prepare for large-scale flooding.
No Day Dedicated to Climate Disasters
National Disaster Prevention Day is September 1. It has traditionally focused on awareness-raising activities in preparation for a major earthquake. Also, September is too late to prepare for heavy rains and typhoons.
August 26 is Volcano Disaster Prevention Day, and November 5 is Tsunami Disaster Prevention Day (World Tsunami Awareness Day).
However, there is no equivalent day for marking the most frequent weather disasters that affect every citizen. Many regions and municipalities conduct drills to prepare for earthquakes. Nevertheless, the fact is that few drills are conducted to prepare for floods.
A Country Prone to Natural Disasters
Japan is so prone to natural disasters. Therefore, it seems strange that there is no specialized ministry or agency to respond to them. Considering this, the need for a Disaster Prevention Day to prepare for meteorological disasters, especially large-scale flooding, becomes clear.
Currently, June 1 is Meteorological Day. An earlier Sankei Shimbun editorial proposed that it should be re-designated as "Climate and Disaster Prevention Day." One objective is to popularize and establish large-scale flood drills in many local governments. Another is to provide an opportunity for more citizens to learn about global climate change.
Nevertheless, the actual date and name of the day are not that important. What matters is that there should be general agreement on the goals of the proposal.
Training Saves Lives
There have been many cases in which previous regular drills resulted in the successful evacuation of residents and ensured their safety. Examples include evacuations during the Great East Japan Earthquake and the heavy rains that hit Western Japan. Conducting such training can translate into the immediate saving of lives. And if the training takes root, it will also save lives in the future.
It would not cost a great deal to establish a "Climate and Disaster Prevention Day." In fact, it is probably the most cost-effective measure imaginable. The Prime Minister has pledged to establish a Disaster Management Agency. There can be no doubt that he recognizes the need to significantly improve the government's disaster response capabilities.
However, it is important to bear in mind that increasing the number of bureaucrats and tasks does not necessarily lead to more protection for the lives of the public.
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(Read the editorial in Japanese.)
Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun
