Arab News Japan

DUBAI: The Japanese parliament enacted a bill on Wednesday to strengthen disaster preparedness and relief measures in the country.

JIJI Press reported that the House of Councilors, the upper parliamentary chamber, approved the legislation to revise laws related to the basic law on disaster management, which was compiled based on lessons learned from the Noto Peninsula earthquake in January 2024.

Part of the bill includes the created of a sub-Cabinet-level post that will oversee Japan’s disaster response as well as coordinate between central and local governments.

The revised law will also see the establishment of a registration system for nonprofit organizations and volunteer groups that provide support for those affected by a disaster.

The registered groups will help operate evacuation centers and serve food at the request of the prefectural governor and other authorities during disasters.

The legislation stipulates that welfare services must be provided in order to prevent disaster-related deaths. This includes improving health care support for older adults who stay outside of evacuation centers, such as in their homes or cars, where support has been scarce.

According to JIJI Press, each municipality will be required to announce the status of its stockpiles of food, toilets, makeshift beds and other supplies once a year.