The Japanese government is also promoting the development of shelters in case of a North Korean missile launch or emergency in Taiwan.
The Yomiuri Shimbun reported on the 25th that Tokyo, the capital of Japan, has decided to build an ‘underground shelter’ where residents can stay for a certain period of time to prepare for missile attacks from foreign countries.
According to the newspaper, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has begun redevelopment of the Azabu-Juban Station on the Toei Subway Oedo Line for an underground shelter. At the same time, we are also looking for the next candidate for an underground parking lot in Tokyo.
In accordance with the National Protection Act, prefectures and local governments across Japan designate ’emergency temporary evacuation facilities’ where people can protect themselves when a missile falls.
According to the Japanese Cabinet Secretariat, the number of emergency temporary evacuation facilities, including schools and public facilities, reached approximately 56,000 as of April last year.
However, an emergency temporary evacuation facility is a facility that assumes that nearby residents can temporarily evacuate. Accordingly, if attacks continue or intensify, there is a risk that personal safety may not be secured.
According to Tokyo Metropolitan Government officials, the underground shelter is a facility where residents who have difficulty living above ground due to the prolonged attack take refuge. Water, drinking water, ventilation equipment, emergency power sources, and communication devices were prepared for long-term stays.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government plans to begin design to establish a disaster prevention storage warehouse within Azabu-Juban Station. It is expected to take several years to complete.
Installing an underground shelter costs billions of won in maintenance costs. It is difficult to maintain all stations in Tokyo. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government also expects the private sector to make improvements, such as installing underground spaces that can be used as shelters when constructing buildings.
In particular, the Japanese government also plans to promote the development of shelters, keeping in mind North Korea’s continued missile launches and Taiwan’s emergency. Shelter specifications, etc. will be decided this year. We also plan to provide financial support to local governments that are maintaining shelters.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.