More than 30 percent of local governments in Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures that have identified residents who need assistance in evacuating during disasters have failed to submit that information to those tasked with helping them, according to a study released Tuesday.
The Basic Act on Disaster Control Measures stipulates that municipal governments must compile a list of people who need additional assistance in case of disaster, including disabled and elderly residents.
While the main reason for their failure to disclose their lists is to protect private information, the effectiveness of assisting people in times of emergency has been questioned.