Sixty-eight years ago on Oct. 14, Japan was hit by Typhoon Ruth. It was a disaster that left more than 900 people dead or missing across the nation.
The Yomiuri Shimbun reported at the time that "Kagoshima and Yamaguchi prefectures suffered the most damage, with some villages facing complete destruction." In the early days after World War II, many people were killed every time a typhoon struck the nation. The central and local governments probably could not handle all the work, including measures for water control and disaster preparations.
When Typhoon Ruth hit, it was the Self-Defense Forces' predecessor, the National Police Reserve, established the previous year, that carried out rescue work and transportation of goods at the government's request for its first dispatch on a disaster relief mission. The NPR's relief activities must have been tough, as its resources and equipment, as well as its training, were not sufficient.
Typhoon No. 19 wreaked havoc on the nation. Damage, such as from rivers flooding and landslides, spread everywhere. The central and local governments have been urged to put top priority on rescuing stranded people. Restoration could require considerable time.
The SDF has mobilized more than 30,000 members for operations such as searching for residents from the air and ground, removing mud and dealing with collapsed houses. The SDF also undertakes an important role in the assistance of disaster victims. Public trust in the SDF has increased steadily, but it is actually better to see fewer disasters in which its activities shine.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
