In the event of an emergency situation arising from a natural disaster, large-scale accident, or other unforeseen incident that may cause loss of life, injury, or major property damage to citizens, bureaus shall be directed and all government offices coordinated so that quick and comprehensive city-wide measures can be taken.

Also, basic policy planning, communication coordination, research and studies regarding emergency management.

To minimize possible damage caused by natural disasters and protect the lives of citizens, the functions of the Disaster Response Headquarters are continually being strengthened, the system of cooperation and communication with disaster prevention organizations is being improved based on the Municipal Osaka Regional Disaster Prevention Plan , and efforts are being made to raise citizens�Eawareness of disaster preparedness.

(1) Gathering and Transmitting Information on Natural Disasters

When necessary, weather-related warnings and alerts, typhoon and river water-level information, etc. is collected, analyzed and transmitted to ward offices. A system for rapid initial response is also being developed.
In times of natural disaster, crucial information will be gathered through such channels as the municipal disaster information system and the government disaster prevention radio system, and the appropriate emergency measures and evacuation orders will be issued to protect people's lives, reduce damage and assist in a rapid recovery.

(2) Establishment of an Initial Response System

If a major disaster occurs during a holiday or at night, government workers know to gather, and pre-assigned emergency headquarters personnel and emergency ward headquarters personnel (workers who live within 30 minutes�Ewalk from City Hall, Abeno Disaster Prevention Center, or ward offices) know to gather immediately to set up a Disaster Response Headquarters and carry out rapid initial response actions.

(3) Operation of the Urban Disaster Information System

Municipal headquarters will be linked to each ward office by an information network that makes it possible to quickly and accurately ascertain information on damage levels in each local area via an online system.

(4) Operation of the Government Disaster Prevention Radio System

In order to establish quick and accurate communications during an emergency, the government disaster prevention radio system shall transmit on nine channels and be manned by approximately 2000 personnel.

(5) Disaster Preparedness Drills

To build technical proficiency, mutual cooperation, and a system of coordination among disaster prevention organizations, as well as to raise awareness of disaster preparedness among citizens, various drills are conducted.

1. Osaka Prefecture Disaster Preparedness Drills
   To prepare for wind and flood damage, drills shall be cosponsored by Osaka Prefecture and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (Kinki Regional Development Bureau).
2. Osaka Municipal Disaster Preparedness Drills
   To prepare for large-scale disasters, drills are held in each ward.
3. Ward Earthquake Drills
   Drills shall be conducted annually by each ward (excluding wards participating in the municipal disaster preparedness drills).
4. Osaka Municipal Earthquake Drills
   Emergency meeting drills and drills to set up a Disaster Response Headquarters shall be conducted.

(6) Improvement of Local Ability to Prevent Disaster

In order to improve the ability of local citizens to carry out the extremely important job of providing voluntary rescue and relief activities or initial firefighting immediately after a disaster occurs, efforts shall be made to train local disaster response leaders, provide rescue equipment and stockpiles of emergency supplies.

Depending on the extent of damage incurred in a natural disaster, temporary relief measures such as emergency food distribution, the setup of evacuation centers, the supply or loan of daily necessities, disaster relief fund loans, loss condolence monies, and monies to support the rebuilding of victims�Elives, shall be provided.

Under the Public Protection Act, a law promulgated in June 2004, municipal government leaders must take steps to provide for citizen evacuation, evacuee assistance, and the handling of any damage caused by a military attack or major terrorist incident.
This legislation was passed in 2006 to enable the City of Osaka to take quick and appropriate measures to protect its citizens from loss of life, injury, or property damage not only in the event of an attack, but also a natural disaster such as an earthquake, wind or flood damage.