Japan to launch disaster agency with power to direct ministries
The new body will coordinate national and local authorities, but failure to follow its directives will carry no legal penalties.
Japan will launch the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) to oversee preparations for major natural disasters and coordinate the government’s response. The body will have authority to give directives to ministries and agencies.
Its remit includes strengthening coordination between ministries and local governments, with particular attention to a major disaster affecting the Tokyo metropolitan area. It is intended to provide central direction for both preparedness and response.
However, ministries and agencies that do not comply with its directives will face no legal penalties. That limitation leaves questions about how effectively the new agency will operate in practice.
