Meeting of the Central Disaster Prevention Council Tuesday, December 18, 2001 Photograph by Jiji Press A meeting of the Central Disaster Prevention Council was held at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. In his opening statement Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi stated, "There is currently a concern that a major earthquake directly beneath the Tokyo metropolitan area, or earthquakes in the Tokai and Tonankai regions could occur. In particular, with regard to a Tokai earthquake, currently revisions are being carried on the scope of the estimated focal regions. The phrase "to be prepared and have no regrets" is truly the key to disaster prevention, and with the aim of the realization of a Japan in which the people can live in safety and peace of mind, I will put all my energies into further strengthening disaster prevention measures." At the meeting, the first agenda was concerning disaster prevention measures in the case of an earthquake in the Tokai region. The Expert Committee on Tokai Earthquakes reported that the scope of expected earthquake damage was being expanded westwards. Upon receiving this report, Prime Minister Koizumi directed questions at this Committee concerning the regional scope for revision where it was necessary to designate Areas Under Intensified Measures Against Earthquake Disaster, based on the Large-Scale Earthquake Countermeasures Law. Then it was decided to establish an expert group to look into this matter. Another agenda of the meeting includes issues related to Mt. Usu. The Prime Minister directed questions about the region surrounding Mt. Usu and the stipulations for an Area Requiring Urgent Development of Refuges based on the Act on Special Measures for Active Volcanoes.