In March, the government issued a revised estimate, stating that a megaquake and ensuing wave may result in up to $2 trillion in damages and 298,000 fatalities.

The Central Disaster Management Council released a preparedness plan in 2014 that suggested a number of actions that were supposed to cut the death toll by 80 percent.

An updated contingency plan was released on Tuesday, but the government has stated that the actions made thus far will only reduce the toll by 20%, according to Kyodo news agency.

In order to increase public preparedness, this suggested expedited activities that included building evacuation buildings and embankments as well as holding more frequent drills.

“It is necessary for the nation, municipalities, companies and non-profits to come together and take measures in order to save as many lives as possible,” Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba told a government meeting, local media reported.

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