TOKYO, March 6 (Xinhua) -- The Japanese government approved on Friday a bill to establish a new government agency that will lead disaster response, recovery and reconstruction efforts.
The current disaster management division of the Cabinet Office will be reorganized into the new agency, which will have 352 personnel, up from 220 at the current division, with an expanded budget.
The disaster management agency, under the leadership of the prime minister, will have a dedicated minister while regional bureaus are expected to open in fiscal 2027 or later.
After its likely launch in autumn this year, the agency will be responsible for drafting basic disaster-related policies and plans as well as coordinating responses for large-scale disasters. It will also have the authority to issue recommendations to other government agencies.
The Cabinet approved several related bills on the same day, including one to amend the Basic Act on Disaster Management, which focuses on securing favorable living conditions for people affected by disasters. ■
