The government has approved a basic policy for securing shelters for use in the event of a military attack by a foreign nation.

While it is important to prepare for such a possibility, the issue also involves thinking about what situation is being considered and how to use the shelters.

Of prime importance is the effectiveness of any measure to protect the safety of residents.

It should also not be forgotten that a precondition is diplomatic efforts to prevent wars from starting.

The number of structures sturdy enough to protect against bomb blasts and debris and designated as emergency temporary evacuation facilities by prefectural governments and major cities can now accommodate about 150 percent of the total population.

But if we consider only underground facilities that are considered safer, the figure is only about 5 percent.

There are more than a few municipalities where not all........

© The Asahi Shimbun