Kumamoto and Kagoshima prefectures have been hit by record downpours. To rescue and help the victims, the central and local governments must do their utmost to ascertain the extent of the disaster as soon as possible.
The Kuma River, which flows in the southern part of Kumamoto Prefecture, overran its banks and caused a series of landslides and flooding in such areas as the city of Hitoyoshi and the village of Kuma. Damage from flooding has also been reported at a special nursing home for the elderly. Many lives were lost, and contact has not been made with some people.
The central government dispatched the Self-Defense Forces and directed them to provide necessary supplies in "push-mode support" (this includes procuring and transporting supplies without waiting for requests from affected areas.) Many residents are seeking water, food and clothing. This approach is expected to lead to immediate rescues and assistance.
At one point, telephone and internet service were disconnected. It became hard to reach the village office and the 119 emergency call center, undermining efforts to confirm the extent of the damage. Many residents have likely been isolated due to disrupted roads.
It is important for the central and local governments concerned to thoroughly gather information and ascertain the full extent of the damage.
It is also essential to improve the environment at evacuation centers. As the threat of the novel coronavirus continues, residents are concerned about a "multiple disaster" also involving infection. It is important to thoroughly carry out basic operations, such as taking people's temperature, disinfecting hands and fingers, and distributing masks.
Some shelters have limited capacity and are divided into areas for each household. Ways should be devised to prevent coronavirus infection during evacuation.
This downpour is believed to be caused by "line-shaped rainfall systems." Warm, moist air flows into the rainy season front, and cumulonimbus clouds are generated one after another, causing heavy rain. These systems appeared when rain hit the northern Kyushu region three years ago and western Japan two years ago, causing severe damage on those occasions as well.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a special heavy rain warning to Kumamoto and Kagoshima prefectures before 5 a.m. on Saturday. It was early in the morning when the water from the Kuma River flowed into houses. Many residents must have been unable to prepare to evacuate in time.
The Kuma River is regarded as one of "three major rapids in Japan" and has frequently caused floods. The maximum depth of the inundation may have reached about 9 meters.
It must be properly verified whether preparation for downpours was sufficient, and whether evacuation information from local governments was provided appropriately.
Due to an active seasonal rain front, heavy rain is forecast over the next few days in areas from Kyushu to eastern Japan.
In case of sudden flooding caused by the rise of a river or other factors, it is sometimes more effective to evacuate vertically, or go upstairs, than to go outside a building. However, even that method may be difficult for elderly people with weak legs.
It is essential for each person to be aware of disaster information, and decide on evacuation sites and methods ahead of time.
-- The original Japanese article appeared in The Yomiuri Shimbun on July 6, 2020.
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