A research on how to utilize real-time rainfall information on the Kyusyu heavy rainfall in 2003

Abstract

The purpose of this paper was to investigate how to collect and use real-time rainfall and water-level information obtained at the time of Kyusyu heavy rainfall disaster between July 19 and 21, 2003. In Fukuoka city, heavy inundation damage was caused by the rainfall. The Hakata Miyako Hotel, located in the centrala rea of Fukuokacity, was protected against inundation damage; this hotel collected had rainfall and river water-level information through the “Fukuoka city disaster prevention homepage” and established rules for an inundation prevention plan. The hotel suffered heavy inundation damage in 1999, and took action to safeguard against a reoccurrence. Duringthe heavy rainfall of 2003, 19 persons in Minamata city were killed by debris flow. Although the Minamata city office had real-timer ainfall and water-level information teiminals, an evacuation counsel had not ordered before the debris flow occurred. It is possible that this was due to the following: the an nouncement of a heavy rainfall alarmwas overdue, the municipal staff had not yet mastered usage of the information terminals, etc.Construction of areal-time information system alone is not effective for disaster prevention. It is necessary to provide thorough and continuous education for users of that real-time information system.