Japan Updates Disaster Plan to Protect Evacuees From Heat and Cold

The Japanese government adopted a revision to its central disaster management plan on July 14, 2026, that strengthens protections against heatstroke and extreme cold at evacuation centers. The Central Disaster Management Council, chaired by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, approved the changes.

The move follows a powerful earthquake off Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula in July 2025 that triggered tsunami warnings and advisories for about 32 hours.

Some evacuees were hospitalized for suspected heatstroke during the prolonged summer evacuation. Local governments are now urged to stockpile drinking water, cold protection gear and tents for shade at designated emergency sites. The revised plan also requires satellite telephones and security cameras at evacuation centers to account for people quickly and calls for ramps to improve wheelchair access.

Central and prefectural governments will use the list to send personnel to affected areas during disasters, Japan Times reported.