Challenges in flood control operation and dissemination of information - Lessons from the record-breaking heavy rain in July 2018, Japan

Abstract

In July 2018, a record-breaking heavy rain hit western part of Japan, leaving severe damages. 213 dams under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) were engaged in flood control operation, and greatly contributed to the reduction of flood damages. Meanwhile, in case of 8 dams, the amount of rainfall was so huge that the emergency spillway gate operation by discharging equal to inflow volume was obliged to execute which caused severe flood damages in some of the downstream areas. In December 2018, Special Panel set up by MLIT finalized a report urging enhancement of flood control capability of dams and dissemination of related information, in preparation for the risk of extreme rainfall which may increase under changing climate condition. This paper briefly introduces the report, outlining the flood control activities at the 2018 flood event as well as the contents of the proposal.