(3) Improvement of the disaster-resistance ability regionally

1) Measures for those vulnerable to disasters, such as senior citizens and babies

Based on the “Law related to Promotion of Measures for Sediment-related Disaster Prevention in Restricted Areas etc. due to Sediment-related Disaster”, restrictions are imposed on the development activities of facilities related to those vulnerable during disasters is applied to the special sediment-related disaster hazard areas. Moreover, based on the “Flood Fighting Act”, the municipalities formulate the announcement method for delivering flood forecasting to facilities related to vulnerable people during disasters and are cooperating with prefectures to provide support. As of December 2009, the targeted facilities in 487 municipalities were prescribed in the plan on regional disaster prevention for municipalities.

2) Strengthening the flood fighting system

In order to improve the skills of flood fighting corps, flood fighting experts are dispatched to the municipalities upon request for carrying out flood fighting training and seminars. Based on the “Flood Fighting Expert Dispatch System”, support can be provided to municipalities that lack the necessary flood fighting skills instructors for them to receive professional training.

## (4) Strengthening the risk management system for disasters

As part of the measures against natural disasters, MLIT is carrying out the forecast of natural phenomenon that may cause disasters (Japan Meteorological Agency), measures for emergency recovery and facilities inspection during disasters, and ocean rescue actions (Japan Coast Guard). At the same time, an initial reaction system is being constructed which will include the emergency assembly of staff and the establishment of disaster action headquarters. Furthermore, based on the support menu towards regional public organizations, support to the related organizations is being implemented actively.

1) Strengthening the risk management system

The system for dispatching the Technical Emergency Control Force (TEC-FORCE) is being set up in case of large-scale disasters or their possibilities in order to promptly and smoothly provide the technical assistance for swift grasp of the damage situation; for preventing the occurrence and expansion of damage; and for early recovery and other emergency disaster measures conducted by local governments. In FY 2009, a total of 1,287 TEC-FORCE members were dispatched and they provided technical assistance for quick recovery of disaster areas and prevention of disaster occurrence at the disasters: heavy rainfall in Chugoku and Kyushu in July, Typhoon Etau ( $ 9^{th} $ typhoon in 2009) and the earthquake in Suruga Bay on 11 $ ^{th} $ August.

2) MLIT Business Continuity Plan

Based on the “MLIT Business Continuity Plan” established for preventing

the interruption of MLIT business from the supposed Northern Tokyo Bay earthquake, the capacities of business continuity are being improved through training.

3) Deployment of information communication systems and machinery prepared for disasters

In order to secure information communication systems during disasters, a self-operated high reliability network is being constructed by using optical fibers and multiple wireless communication circuits between head offices, local branch offices and related organizations. Moreover, the machinery, including helicopters for disasters, satellite communications vehicles, drainage pump vehicles and lighting tenders, for dealing with disasters are deployed and are utilized for dealing with disasters in order to enable quick disaster information gathering and emergency recovery.

4) Implementation of practical risk management training

The role-playing type practical risk management training is being actively implemented for experiencing simulated disaster emergency measures and improving the ability of personnel when dealing with disasters. Additionally, the further promotion of participation by local people, enterprises and NPOs as well as more practical and involved flood fighting drills are carried out, such as verifying the evacuation site and evacuation routes. Moreover, in June 2009, national unified disaster prevention training against sediment disaster was implemented. At the same time, risk management training for landslide dams was carried out based on the “Risk Management Plan on large-scale sediment disasters”. In July of the same year, the comprehensive disaster prevention training for large-scale tsunamis was carried out in Shizuoka City of Shizuoka Prefecture.

5) Preparation of initial reactions in the ocean

The Japan Coast Guard is equipping patrol vessels and aircraft and adopting the 24-hour real-time responding system for