## ① Disaster Response by TEC-FORCE (Technical Emergency Control Force)

When large-scale natural disasters occur or are likely to occur, the TEC-FORCE (Technical Emergency Control Force) is available for deployment to smoothly and rapidly implement technical support for the local government of the affected area to carry out various emergency disaster measures such as rapidly assessing the extent of the disaster, prevent or contain damages, and rapid recovery of affected areas. In FY 2012, 717 members in total were deployed to Fukuoka Prefecture, Oita Prefecture, Kumamoto Prefecture and Kagoshima Prefecture in response to the damages caused by the heavy rainfall in Kyushu during June and July; 272 members in total were deployed for the heavy rainfall from August 13 (Uji/Otsu heavy rainfall) to carry out technical support for the swift restoration of affected areas and prevent repeated disasters.

## ② Improving Business Continuity Abilities

In light of the experiences gained from the Great East Japan Earthquake, the “MLIT Business Continuity Plan,” designed to promote efforts to ensure the continuity of priority operations in the event of a direct hit earthquake to the Tokyo metropolis or other disaster, will be reviewed and business continuity abilities will be improved through the implementation of training drills covering emergency assembly and disaster measure headquarters operation.

## ③ Deployment of Information Communication Systems and Equipment in Preparation for Disasters

To secure information communication systems in the event of a disaster, MLIT headquarters, local branch offices, and related organizations are connected with a highly reliable information communication network consisting of microwave networks and optical fibers, in addition to satellite communication channels to strengthen the system for gathering information from the disaster site, are used to create a high mobility system. Also, to rapidly respond to disasters, the deployment of disaster prevention helicopters, satellite communication vehicles, drainage pump vehicles, illumination vehicles, and other disaster response machinery is being expanded at regional development bureaus and local offices across the nation, so that in the event of a large-scale disaster, the framework will be able to execute rapid deployment.

## ④ Implementing Practical and Wide-Area Crisis Management Training

To improve the capacity of disaster response crew, practical crisis management training incorporating role-playing and other methods is being actively implemented in addition to calling on more participation from local residents, businesses, and NPOs as well as conducting evacuation drills using hazard maps for more practical and participatory flood prevention drills.

Additionally, the Great East Japan Earthquake reaffirmed the importance of coordination between relevant organizations during large-scale disasters, therefore efforts to improve and strengthen a wide-area disaster prevention framework in preparation of massive earthquakes and other large-scale disasters through the implementation of various joint exercises between multiple organizations centered around regional offices and bureaus including designated local government agencies, fire fighting organizations, and the Japan Self-Defense Force is being promoted.

## ⑦ Preparing for Initial Response at Sea

The Japan Coast Guard deploys patrol vessels and aircraft around the clock to respond promptly to disasters. Also, In

accordance with the scale of the disaster a countermeasure headquarters is established to implement damage assessment surveys and rescue operations through patrol vessels and aircraft for a prompt and appropriate response.

## (11) Management of Existing Stock with ICT (Information and Communications Technology)

An optical fiber network is being used to enable the management of public facilities and sophistication of crisis management by taking advantage of ICT (Information and Communications Technology). Specifically, measures are being promoted for safe road use such as sophisticated management using optical

Graphic II-7-2-11 Illustration of a Tsunami and High Tide Disaster Prevention Station