The Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) is one of the designated public institutions based on the Basic Act on Disaster Management and Armed Attack Situation Response Law. Therefore, in the event of a nuclear or radiation-related disaster, it is responsible for dispatching experts, providing materials and equipment, and supporting emergency monitoring at the request of national and local governments. The core department of the JAEA’s activities is the Nuclear Emergency Assistance and Training Center (NEAT).
NEAT was established based on the lessons learned from the JCO criticality accident in 1999, and has accumulated over 20 years of knowledge and experience in nuclear emergency response. Also, at the time of the Tokyo Electric Power Company's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident 13 years ago, we have carried out emergency support activities with the cooperation of many JAEA staff. This year, in response to the alert situation at the Hokuriku Electric Power Shika Nuclear Power Plant due to the Noto Peninsula Earthquake that occurred on January 1, 2024 (seismic intensity 7 in Shika Town), NEAT’s first responders gathered to prepare for the nuclear disaster that may occur. And we have continued to prepare for airborne monitoring to promptly monitor environmental radiation in the Noto Peninsula area.
The Noto Peninsula Earthquake has reminded us of the importance of preparing for complex disasters, where a natural disaster and a nuclear disaster occur simultaneously. Therefore, we are promoting the development of human resources involved in responding to nuclear disasters, and planning and conducting training and drills to improve disaster response capabilities. We are also proceeding with research and development such as the development of unmanned aircraft monitoring technology and the evaluation of the effectiveness of radiation protection measures for residents.
Through these efforts, our mission is to be always prepared for nuclear disasters and to ensure the safety of nuclear power that contributes to the national welfare.
Masahiro MUNAKATA
Director General
Nuclear Emergency Assistance and Training Center
April 1, 2024
