Many Municipalities Unaware of Nankai Quake Advisory System

   Tokyo, Nov. 26 (Jiji Press)--Many Japanese municipalities that could be heavily damaged by a possible Nankai Trough megaquake lack enough knowledge of the government's advisory system to warn that such a disaster may strike soon, a government survey showed Tuesday.
   The Cabinet Office survey found that 12.8 pct of municipalities at risk of such damage were not aware of details of the system fully or sure what measures they should take when an advisory is issued to warn of the elevated risk of a huge quake in the trough off the Pacific coast of central to southwestern Japan.
   More than 60 pct said they were confused over how to respond to the "emergency information" alert issued for the first time under the system in response to a 7.1-magnitude temblor struck off Miyazaki Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Aug. 8.
   The survey, taken between mid-September and early November, showed the low awareness of the advisory system among municipalities, which are tasked with protecting people in time of disaster.
   Following the survey, the Cabinet Office will examine how the system may be improved.

(2024/11/26-20:02)

To read a full story, please click here to find out how to subscribe.