Japan launches national disaster management agency

This photo taken on Jan. 3, 2024 shows a collapsed house in Nanao, Ishikawa prefecture. (Photo: Xinhua)

The Japanese government on Monday launched a new agency to oversee the country's disaster preparedness and response efforts.

The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), established under legislation passed by the Diet in July, will serve as the central command to direct disaster preparedness and response efforts by boosting coordination across ministries and local governments.

The NDMA will take over the functions of the Cabinet Office's disaster management division and increase its staff from about 220 to some 350.

The new agency will have the authority to issue recommendations urging other ministries and agencies to take the necessary action. However, there are no legal penalties for failing to follow them.