UPDATE | October 13, 2022
Japan is said to be a disaster-prone country. Let's look back on the major natural disasters that have occurred in recent years, learn about the types of natural disasters that occur in Japan, learn the details and countermeasures for each type, and be prepared in case of an emergency.
INDEX
Compared to other countries, Japan is prone to natural disasters such as typhoons, heavy rains, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, and the damage caused by these disasters is extensive.
Japan accounts for only 0.28% of the world's land area, but 20.5% of the world's earthquakes with a magnitude of 6 or higher occurred in Japan (total from 2000 to 2009). Japan has 7% of the world's active volcanoes (volcanoes that have erupted within the past 10,000 years). In terms of damage, Japan accounted for 0.3% of the deaths caused by disasters worldwide and 11.9% of the damages suffered by disasters worldwide (1979-2008 total).
Then why does Japan have so many natural disasters? There are four main reasons for this.
(1) The Japanese archipelago is formed by four plates (Philippine Sea plate, Pacific plate, North American plate, Eurasian plate), and seismic and volcanic activities are active due to plate movement.
(2) Steep mountains occupy most of the land, and the rivers are short and rapid.
(3) Located in the Asian monsoon region, heavy rainfall often occurs during the rainy season and typhoon season.
(4) There are cities and farmlands adjacent to rivers, coasts, and volcanoes.
It can be seen that various factors such as topography, climate, and the method of land use derived from them are involved, and natural disasters are likely to occur, and it is easy to suffer great damage. As long as we live in Japan, we cannot avoid natural disasters.
[PR]
Types of natural disasters that occur in Japan include "earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, typhoons (heavy rain), landslides (landslides, debris flows, landslides), tornadoes, and snow damage."
Looking at the number of occurrences and the amount of damage caused by each type of disaster, the number of occurrences was highest for typhoons at 57.1%, followed by earthquakes at 17.9% and floods at 14.7%.
On the other hand, when it comes to the amount of damage, "earthquake", which causes extensive damage once it occurs, accounts for more than 80%, followed by "typhoon" and "flood." (Aggregation of natural disasters that occurred from 1985 to 2018)
From here, we will explain the details and countermeasures for each disaster, but before that, we will first introduce four countermeasures that you should know as they are common to all disasters.
To prepare for disasters, start by knowing what kinds of disasters are likely to occur where you live or work.
Operated by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism"Hazard Map Portal Site"If you enter your address, you can check the disaster risk information issued by each local government collectively. Six types of information can be checked: "flood", "landslide disaster", "storm surge", "tsunami", "road disaster prevention information", and "terrain classification".
There are various applications that notify you with alerts when natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and typhoons occur. There are also push notifications of evacuation advisories and warnings issued in the surrounding area based on location information, which is useful for protecting personal safety.
Find one that works for you and install it.
When choosing a disaster prevention app, check the following three points.
(1) Is the information highly reliable?
②Can you get the information you want? (There are simple ones that just send an alert when a natural disaster occurs, and there are also ones that have various functions such as navigating to an evacuation center and checking the safety of family members and other important people.)
(3) Can it be operated intuitively?
Don't be satisfied with just installing it, go through how to use it and use it occasionally as a refresher. The accumulation will lead to protecting yourself in an emergency.
When disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur, the number of communications to the affected areas increases, making it difficult or impossible to connect to the phone. This is a voice message board that is started to be provided in such cases.
First, dial "171" and follow the guidance to record and play back your voice. If you are in the disaster area, you will need your own phone number or the phone number of the person you want to contact, and if you are not in the disaster area, you will need the phone number of the person you want to contact (mobile phone is also OK).
It can be used when you want to inform your family of your safety and whereabouts, so if you are unable to connect to the phone after a disaster occurs, it is a good idea to ask each other to leave a message on the disaster message dial.
Japan is a country with many natural disasters, so it's not strange to face a disaster at any time. In case you have to leave your home and evacuate, prepare a bag containing water, food, valuables, and goods necessary for evacuation life.
Can you live with what's in your bag for a few days away from home? With that in mind, prepare what you need.
Now, let's look at the details of each disaster, such as "earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, typhoons (heavy rain), sediment disasters (landslides, debris flows, landslides), tornadoes, and snow damage," and what kind of disasters actually occur. Should I take such action? I will tell you about.
Earthquakes occur when rocks (plates) located underground are pushed or pulled from the surroundings, causing them to shift suddenly. The vibrations caused by the slippage are transmitted to the ground, leading to tremors. As I explained earlier, Japan has four plates, so it is easy for earthquakes to occur.
When an earthquake occurs, the following types of damage are predicted.
・Buildings and houses collapse and people are buried alive, and outer walls and window glass break and fall, resulting in injury.
・Due to the concentration of calls or damage to communication equipment, it becomes impossible to use the telephone or the Internet, or it becomes difficult to connect.
・The concentration of pedestrians and cars causes heavy congestion on roads, making it difficult to evacuate. Roads become impassable due to collapsed buildings and landslides.
・Trains stop running for a considerable amount of time because the tracks are cut off or because it takes time to confirm safety even if the tracks are intact.
・Electricity, gas, and water supply will be unusable, and it will take time to restore them.
It is important to prepare in advance for when an earthquake occurs. Here are 10 preparations you should do.
(1) Take measures to prevent furniture from falling, falling, or moving.
(2) Take measures to prevent injuries.
(3) Check the strength of houses and fences.
(4) Be prepared to extinguish a fire.
(5) Take measures for early detection of fire and fire prevention measures.
(6) Prepare emergency supplies (including water and food).
(7) Discuss with your family what to do in case of "what if".
(8) Identify local hazards.
(9) Acquire disaster prevention knowledge.
(10) Enhance disaster prevention action.
For details, please refer to the Tokyo Fire Department."10 Preparations for Earthquakes"Please refer to
What should you do if you actually feel the shaking of an earthquake or receive an earthquake early warning?
The measures will differ depending on where you are, but first of all, don't panic and ensure your own safety. After the quake subsides, collect accurate information through TV, radio, the Internet, and other means, try to understand the current situation, and think about what you should do next. It is basic to stay in a safe place without moving around unnecessarily.
[When you are at home]
・Do not rush outside in a hurry.
・Open the door to secure an evacuation route. (Doors and windows may warp and become unopenable.)
・Stay away from large furniture while protecting your head and hide under a sturdy desk.
・If you use fire for cooking or heating, put out the fire if possible. Do not try to extinguish the fire when you are away from the source of the fire.
[If you are in a facility with many people (facilities that attract customers such as large-scale stores)]
・Do not rush to the exit or stairs.
・Follow the instructions of facility staff and employees.
・Unless otherwise instructed, protect your head and take a safe posture in preparation for tremors.
・Stay away from objects that may fall (such as hanging lights) and objects that may topple over.
We have looked at earthquakes so far, but what span and scale do earthquakes occur in Japan? Here is a summary of the most damaging earthquakes that have occurred in the last five years.
| year of occurrence | Occurred area and seismic intensity | Main damage |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Maximum seismic intensity 6 upper in Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures | 3 dead Completely destroyed house 204 4,085 half-destroyed houses 45,335 houses partially damaged |
| 2021 | Maximum seismic intensity 6 upper in Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures | 1 dead 69 houses completely destroyed 729 half-destroyed houses Partially damaged houses 19,758, etc. |
| 2018 | Hokkaido Eastern Iburi Earthquake Maximum seismic intensity 7 in Atsuma-cho, Hokkaido |
43 dead Completely destroyed house 469 1,660 half-destroyed houses Partial damage to 13,849 houses, etc. |
| 2018 | Maximum seismic intensity 6 lower in Kita Ward, Osaka City, Takatsuki City, Hirakata City, Ibaraki City, and Minoh City, Osaka Prefecture | 6 dead 21 houses completely destroyed 483 half-destroyed houses Partially damaged houses 61,266, etc. |
You can see that almost every year in Japan there is a big earthquake somewhere, with deaths and damage to houses.
Earthquakes account for 80% of disaster damage in Japan. It is a disaster that can cause great damage once it occurs, so be sure to prepare well for "what if".
A tsunami is a large wave that rushes into a port, and is generated when the seawater is greatly moved by an earthquake that occurs on the seabed or an eruption of a submarine volcano.
Japan is prone to earthquakes and is surrounded by the sea, so it is also susceptible to tsunami damage.
Since tsunamis are caused by a complex interplay of various factors, it is not possible to accurately predict everything, but past tsunamis have caused the following types of damage.
・The entire city was swallowed up by the tsunami, houses and buildings were washed away, and buses, trains, and large ships were washed ashore from the sea.
・I was evacuated to a hill of 20m or more, but I was swept away by the waves that came around from behind.
・The tsunami rushed over the topography and surged to a height higher than originally expected.
It is important to prepare in advance for when a tsunami occurs. Here, we will tell you what you should do to prepare for a tsunami.
(1) Check the hazard map.
If you live near the sea, use a hazard map to check where there is a risk of a tsunami, the nearest tsunami evacuation site, tsunami evacuation building, and hills. Also, check evacuation routes as well as evacuation sites.
(2) Check the tsunami sign.
In places where there is a danger of tsunami, there are signs indicating "Tsunami Warning", "Tsunami Evacuation Area" and "Tsunami Evacuation Building". Just in case, be sure to check when you are near the sea.
(3) Learn about tsunamis.
Know the characteristics of tsunamis so that you can take correct evacuation actions.
・The tsunami rises sharply
・You can't make it in time if you run away after seeing it
・The tsunami hits repeatedly, and the tsunami that comes later may be higher.
・The force of the tsunami is so strong that even a 50 cm high tsunami can be swept away without being able to stand.
What should you do if you feel the tremors or hear or hear a tsunami warning in a place where there is a tsunami danger?
First of all, it is basic to move away from the coast as soon as possible and evacuate to the highest possible place. As a general rule, evacuate on foot as you may get stuck in traffic.
If you are swimming or fishing in the sea or near the coast, you must evacuate even if a tsunami warning is issued. Immediately get out of the sea and start evacuating, and head to a tsunami evacuation site, tsunami evacuation building, or nearby high ground.
A tsunami strikes not just once, but over and over again. Do not return home even after the waves recede, and continue evacuating until the tsunami warning/advisory is completely lifted.
The same applies if the tsunami does not arrive at the expected arrival time of the tsunami. They may arrive late, so please do not return while warnings and warnings are being issued.
At the evacuation site, try to obtain correct information through TV, radio, the Internet, disaster prevention administrative radio, etc.
Measures against tsunamisMeteorological Agency official website "To protect yourself from tsunamis"Please also refer to
“I have looked at tsunamis so far, but how long and how large are tsunamis in Japan? I have summarized the tsunamis that have occurred in the last 40 years and caused great damage.
| year of occurrence | Area where the tsunami occurred and the situation of the tsunami | Main damage |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Occurs with the Tohoku Region Pacific Ocean Earthquake (Great East Japan Earthquake) The run-up height (the altitude at which the tsunami reached the land) was 40.1m at Ryori Bay in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, and the height of the observed tsunami was over 9.3m (Soma Port, Fukushima Prefecture), the largest tsunami ever observed in Japan. |
15,894 dead 2,561 missing persons 6,152 injured Entire towns were swept away, causing devastating damage to the Pacific coastal areas of the Tohoku and Kanto regions. It was a major disaster that will go down in history, including damage to nuclear power plants. |
| 1993 | Occurs with the Hokkaido Nansei-Oki Earthquake The maximum wave height reached 16.8m and the run-up height reached 30m on Okushiri Island. A major tsunami warning was issued 4 to 5 minutes after the earthquake occurred, but it was not done in time and the Aonae district of Okushiri Town was destroyed. |
198 dead and missing Three people are missing in Russia on the opposite bank |
| 1983 | Occurs with the Japan Sea Chubu Earthquake Tsunami exceeding 10 m on the Sea of Japan side of Akita, Aomori and Yamagata prefectures |
100 dead 1 dead and 2 missing in South Korea |
Tsunami is also an unavoidable disaster in Japan, where there are many earthquakes. Check the hazard map and be prepared in case of emergency so that you can evacuate quickly.
Currently, Japan has 111 active volcanoes (volcanoes that have erupted within the past 10,000 years and volcanoes with active fumarolic activity), making it one of the world's leading volcanic powers. When a volcano erupts, volcanic blocks (various sizes), pyroclastic flows, snowmelting volcanic mudflows (a phenomenon in which snow and ice melt due to the heat of lava and pyroclastic flows, and volcanic ejecta and water mix and flow on the ground surface), lava flows, volcanic ash, Volcanic gas is generated and causes damage.
In particular, large volcanic blocks, pyroclastic flows, and snow-melting volcanic mudflows leave almost no time to evacuate from the eruption, so it is important to evacuate as soon as a warning is issued.
Damage caused by volcanic eruptions includes the following:
・Volcanic block
These rocks are blown away from the crater by the force of the eruption, and because they fly with tremendous force, even small ones are extremely dangerous.
・Pyroclastic flow
It flows on the earth's surface in a state where solid substances on fragments released by eruptions and volcanic gas are mixed. Its speed can exceed 100 km/h and its temperature can reach 1000°C, causing great destruction, and if a person is caught in it, they will die instantly.
・Lava flow
Magma erupting from a volcano flows down the earth's surface. With a temperature of around 1000 degrees Celsius, it covers the surface of the earth and burns plants.
・Volcanic ash, volcanic gas
In addition to causing health hazards such as eyes, nose, throat, and bronchial tubes, ash accumulates on roads, fields, and houses, and can kill crops and destroy machinery such as traffic lights.
It is important to prepare in advance for when a volcanic eruption occurs. Here are some things to do to prepare for a volcanic eruption.
(1) Know the volcanic alert level and actions to take.
The volcanic alert level is a 5-level setting of the "area where caution is required" and the "disaster prevention measures to be taken" by disaster prevention agencies and residents, etc., according to the activity of the volcano.
Eruption forecast
Level 1 Note that it is an active volcano
Volcanic warning (around the crater)
Level 2 Regulations around the crater
Level 3 Mountain entry restrictions
Special warning (residential area)
Level 4 Evacuation for the elderly, etc.
Level 5 Evacuation
If you live near an active volcano, or if you plan to go on a trip or mountaineering near an active volcano, check the hazard map in advance for dangerous areas.
(2) Confirm evacuation sites and evacuation routes.
In case of emergency, check the evacuation site and evacuation route in advance so that you can evacuate quickly without panicking.
(3) Know about eruption alerts.
This announcement is made to quickly notify local residents and climbers of the occurrence of an eruption and encourage them to take action to protect themselves. Depending on the scale of the eruption, the volcanic alert level may be raised, or the area requiring caution may expand, so please be aware of your surroundings.
The extent to which you can evacuate as smoothly as possible will greatly determine whether or not there will be damage. If your municipality orders you to evacuate in advance due to the risk of an eruption, please follow them immediately.
The same applies when an eruption bulletin is issued. Start evacuating immediately and head to the evacuation site that you have confirmed in advance.
At the time of eruption, volcanic ash is troublesome. Here are some things to keep in mind to protect yourself.
・Do not inhale, such as wearing a dust mask.
・Should this get in your eyes, rinse with water. We recommend wearing glasses instead of contact lenses.
・Do not touch the skin as it may cause inflammation.
So far, we have looked at volcanic eruptions, but how long and on what scale do volcanic eruptions occur in Japan? A summary of the most damaging volcanic eruptions in the last decade.
| year of occurrence | Occurrence area | Main damage |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Kuchinoerabu Island | All islanders evacuated |
| 2014 | Mount Ontake Eruption caused by steam explosion |
Climbers near the summit were affected, leaving 63 dead and missing. Japan's worst post-war volcanic disaster |
| 2013 | Sakurajima | Volcanic plume reached 5,000m |
The 2014 eruption of Mt. Ontake was the worst volcanic eruption disaster since the end of World War II. There are quite a few volcanoes, such as Hakone, Aso, and Sakurajima, which have become tourist destinations, but be sure to check the hazard map before you go out, and be mindful of possible emergencies when you're there.
In Japan, which is sandwiched between the continent and the ocean, seasonal rain fronts and autumn rain fronts become stagnant at the turn of the seasons, often causing heavy rainfall. In recent years, there has also been an increase in the number of extremely heavy rains that fall in a very small area in a short period of time. It is also common to hear about "linear rain belts", in which cumulonimbus clouds that occur one after another form a line, pass through the same place or stagnate, causing a large amount of rain to fall in an area that extends linearly. I was.
Furthermore, from July to October, typhoons are more likely to approach and make landfall. A typhoon is a low-pressure system (tropical cyclone) that has developed over the tropical seas in the northwestern Pacific Ocean or the East China Sea, with a maximum wind speed (10-minute average) of 17 m/s or higher. About 25 have occurred in a year, of which about 12 have approached Japan and about 3 have landed.
Because cumulonimbus clouds that contain plenty of moist tropical air gather, when a typhoon approaches, it can cause heavy rains and storms, causing floods, high waves, and storm surges, causing damage.
There are various types of damage caused by typhoons and heavy rains.
In areas near mountains, heavy rainfall loosens the ground, causing debris flows, landslides, and landslides. I have.
When a large amount of rain falls in a short period of time, the water rushes into the river and floods often occur.
Strong winds can cause high waves along the coast, so please stay away from the sea or near the coast to avoid being swept away by the waves. Storm surges also occur, and seawater flows into the land, causing flood damage.
You also need to be careful of things being knocked over or blown away by strong winds.
If you know that a typhoon is approaching, do the following to prepare for the typhoon before the wind and rain get stronger.
(1) Reinforcing window glass, shutters and screen doors
Reinforce the window glass with curing tape so that it does not break, and check that the wind and rain do not enter through the gaps in the windows, shutters, screen doors, etc., and then lock them securely. Also, remove garbage so that gutters and drains do not become clogged and overflow.
(2) Store or fix items that are likely to be blown away by the wind indoors.
Bring indoors anything that might be blown away by the wind, such as flower pots, that are outside in your garden or balcony. For items that cannot be put inside but are likely to be blown away by strong winds, take measures such as tying them up with a string.
(3) Evacuation of home appliances and household goods
If your house is in danger of being flooded, raise your home appliances and household goods as high as possible. To prevent electric leaks and electric shocks, unplug electrical appliances from outlets.
(4) Securing lifelines
As a countermeasure in case of a power outage, charge your mobile phone, computer, battery, and prepare a flashlight, candle, or other light.
It's also a good idea to stock up on water and food for a few days, and if you have a car, fill it up with petrol.
If a typhoon is approaching, please refrain from going out unnecessarily. If you are out, get home early before you can't go home.
Regularly check the typhoon information and warnings issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency to keep up to date with the latest information. Public transportation may stop when the rain and wind become strong. Also, it is difficult to move around in bad weather, so if you feel that you need to evacuate, please take action immediately.
If you have to evacuate,
- Turn off the electric breaker.
・Turn off the main gas valve.
・Lock the windows and close the curtains.
Do not forget to do the following three things and lock the door firmly before starting to move.
When evacuating, keep your belongings to a minimum and carry them on your back so that you can use both hands.
Even after the typhoon has passed, the rivers will continue to be in a dangerous state for a while, so please stay alert and check the damage in your surroundings.
So far, we have looked at typhoons (heavy rain), but we have summarized the typhoons (heavy rain) that have occurred in the past few years with great damage.
| year of occurrence | Occurrence area | Main damage |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Approach and stagnation of the autumnal rain front, long-term heavy rainfall in the Tohoku and Hokuriku regions due to linear precipitation belts | Damage caused by long-term, record-breaking floods and landslides occurred mainly in the Tohoku and Hokuriku regions. |
| 2021 | Nagano Chugoku region Northern Kyushu |
Heavy rain caused by an active seasonal rain front and a linear precipitation belt caused long-term and record-breaking floods and landslides, mainly in Nagano Prefecture, the Chugoku region, and the northern part of the Kyushu region. |
| 2020 | Chugoku region Shikoku region Kyushu region Kinki Tokai region Tohoku region |
Due to the influence of the seasonal rain front, heavy rains spread over a wide area of the Japanese archipelago, leaving 86 people dead or missing. |
| 2019 | Shizuoka Kanto region Fukushima |
Typhoon No. 19 made landfall while maintaining a very strong intensity, passing through the Kanto region and Fukushima Prefecture, causing 105 deaths, 375 injuries, 3 missing persons, and a total damage of 1.86 trillion yen. did |
In Japan, typhoons and heavy rains cause damage every year. Just in case, you want to prepare on a daily basis.
Landslide disasters are disasters such as the collapse of mountains or cliffs, or the collapse of earth and sand flowing down with rainwater or river water, resulting in the death of people caught in it or the collapse of buildings. caused by volcanic eruptions, etc.
There are three main types of landslide disasters.
・Debris flow
It is a phenomenon in which earth and sand in mountains and valleys collapse due to heavy rains, etc., mixing with water and flowing away all at once. It's fast and has great destructive power, so depending on the location and situation it occurs, it can do a lot of damage.
・Landslide
It is a phenomenon in which a sloping land soaked with rain or groundwater slides downward along with houses and fields together with the ground in large lumps. It often occurs on relatively gentle slopes. Sometimes it moves slowly over a period of years, and sometimes it happens suddenly, triggered by an earthquake or the like.
・Cliff failure
It is a phenomenon in which a steep slope suddenly collapses due to a large amount of rain soaking into the cliff or the shaking of an earthquake. A large amount of earth and sand falls from above at once, so if you are nearby, it is difficult to evacuate.
In order to protect yourself from landslide disasters, we will tell you three points you should know in advance.
(1) Confirm the risks in the area where you live.
On the hazard map, check to see if your area is in a landslide warning area or a landslide hazard area. Also, even if there is no such designation, if there is a "cliff" or "small stream" near your house, there is a risk of landslides.
Residents of these areas are at high risk of landslides, so be careful on a daily basis.
(2) Be aware of precursory phenomena of landslide disasters.
Before a sediment-related disaster occurs, there may be signs of it. Observe carefully and evacuate to a safe place as soon as you notice anything unusual.
・Heavy rain or long rain continues.
・Water in rivers and wells becomes turbid, and spring water stops or becomes turbid.
・The water level of the river has decreased even though it has been raining.
・Trees are leaning or smelling of soil.
・There are noises and falling stones from the cliff.
・Cracks and steps occur in cliffs and ground, and water springs out from cliffs and slopes.
・The earth tremors.
(3) Pay attention to rainfall and warning information.
When it starts to rain, pay attention to the landslide warning information. When alert level reaches 4, start evacuating immediately.
It is basic to evacuate to a safe place before a sediment disaster occurs. It is time to evacuate when a landslide warning is announced in your area or when a sign of a landslide is confirmed.
However, there may be times when it is difficult to go to an evacuation site for various reasons, such as traveling in bad weather, which is more dangerous, or elderly people. In such a case, keep in mind "vertical evacuation" and evacuate to the second floor if there is one, and evacuate to the room on the other side of the cliff or slope. Staying as far away from the cliff as possible will increase your chances of being saved.
So far, we have looked at landslide disasters, but we have summarized the landslide disasters that have occurred in the past few years with great damage.
| year of occurrence | Occurrence area | Main damage |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Niigata Ishikawa Aomori Fukushima Nagano |
Damage caused by heavy rain 85 debris flows, 14 landslides, 103 landslides |
| 2019 | Tohoku region Koushinetsu Ishikawa Mie Wakayama |
Damage caused by Typhoon No.19 407 debris flows, 44 landslides, 501 landslides |
| 2020 | Chugoku region Shikoku region Kyushu region Kinki Tokai region Tohoku region |
Due to the influence of the seasonal rain front, heavy rains spread over a wide area of the Japanese archipelago, leaving 86 people dead or missing. |
| 2019 | Northern Kyushu Shimane Yamaguchi Tokai region Koushinetsu |
Damage caused by heavy rain associated with the autumn rain front 6 debris flows, 7 landslides, 158 landslides |
Many landslide disasters occur every year in Japan due to heavy rains and typhoons. If you live in a high-risk area, be prepared and pay attention to the latest information when it rains continuously or a typhoon is approaching.
A tornado is a whirlpool of violent updrafts that occurs with a developed cumulonimbus cloud. The wind in the center of a tornado is very strong and can reach 100m/s. Also, if the movement speed is fast, it can reach 100 km / h.
Strong winds knock down buildings. the car flips over. Various objects are caught in a tornado and blown away. Things caught up in a tornado fly at tremendous speed, concentrating in a small area in a short period of time and causing great damage.
Cumulonimbus clouds are more likely to occur in summer, when they are more likely to develop, but on the Sea of Japan side, they occur frequently in winter as well.
A tornado is a dangerous natural phenomenon that can blow away a house in an instant. The first thing is not to get caught in a tornado, so let's know the information to avoid a tornado.
(1) Be aware of the warning signs of a tornado.
When the weather changes suddenly and cumulonimbus clouds are approaching, tornadoes are more likely to occur, so be careful.
・Black clouds approach and the sky suddenly darkens.
・You can see lightning or hear thunder.
・A cold wind blows.
・Large drops of rain and hail begin to fall.
(2) Utilize "Tornado Occurrence Information" and "Tornado Occurrence Probability Nowcast".
The Japan Meteorological Agency will issue "Tornado Occurrence Information" when the weather becomes more likely to generate a tornado.
Also,"Tornado Occurrence Probability Nowcast"Then, based on information such as weather Doppler radar, we estimate the degree of "probability of a tornado occurring (or occurring) at any moment", and define it as "tornado occurrence probability", 1 hour per 10km grid. We will publish the prediction results until later.
If you feel that a tornado is about to occur, or if you know that a tornado is likely to occur where you are, take immediate action to ensure your own safety.
If there is a danger of a tornado occurring or if you see a tornado that has occurred, secure your own safety immediately. Even if a tornado looks far away, it moves quickly, so it can approach in no time. Don't take pictures or videos, just act.
・When evacuating indoors.
Go to the first floor, or to the basement if there is one.
Close windows and curtains and stay away from windows as objects may fly out and injure you.
Go to a room close to the center of the house with no windows (such as a bathroom or walk-in closet), get under cover such as a sturdy desk or bathtub, and stay low to protect your head and neck.
・When evacuating outdoors.
Protect your head and neck by hiding in the shade of a sturdy building and keeping your body small and low.
Do not use the inside of a car or prefabricated building such as a storeroom as an evacuation area because it is dangerous.
If there are no buildings nearby, lie down in a hollow area such as a waterway and cover your head and neck with your arms.
We've looked at tornadoes so far, but here's a summary of the most damaging tornadoes that have occurred in recent years.
| year of occurrence | Occurrence area | Main damage |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Shizuoka | It occurred from Nunobikihara, Makinohara City, Katsuta to Sakabe, and observed the maximum instantaneous wind speed exceeding 20m in each place. More than 10 buildings were completely or partially destroyed, and 3 people were injured. |
| 2019 | Chiba | Damage caused by Typhoon No.19 A tornado caused by a typhoon occurs from Nagayoshi, Ichihara City to Junido. 1 dead, 9 injured, some houses collapsed |
| 2018 | Shiga | Occurred from the northern area of Maibara City to the Inokuchi area 8 injured |
| 2018 | Okinawa | Occurred in Higashie, Ie Village, Kunigami District 2 injured |
Tornadoes occur all over Japan. Although it is a small area, it will cause great damage, such as damage to houses and injuries and deaths.
Snow damage is a disaster caused by snow, and includes heavy snow, avalanches, various damage that occurs during snow removal after snowfall, and accidents due to road freezing.
It can occur anywhere in the region where it snows, but it can be said that areas along the Sea of Japan, Niigata, Yamagata, and Akita prefectures, where a lot of snow falls, are particularly prone to snow damage.
Snow damage to watch out for
·avalanche
An avalanche is a phenomenon in which snow and ice that have accumulated on the slopes of a mountain flow down. Avalanches can reach speeds of 100 to 200 kilometers per hour, and can engulf buildings, trees, and people, causing great damage. It is difficult to escape after an avalanche occurs, so it is important to stay away from areas where avalanches are likely to occur.
・Snow damage
Roads and railroad tracks are covered with snow that has fallen for a long time. Traffic is paralyzed, and it interferes with daily life.
・Snow pressure damage
Buildings and trees are damaged by the weight of the accumulated snow. Depending on the quality of the snow, the accumulated snow can be very heavy, and the falling snow can hit people or things and cause accidents.
・Wind and snow damage
Poor visibility due to snowstorms can lead to accidents. If you walk or drive in a snowstorm, you may lose your sense of direction and distance, making it more likely that you will have an accident. Also, in a severe snowstorm, the visibility becomes completely white and nothing can be seen, which is very dangerous.
・Snow damage
Problems such as power lines being cut and railway equipment being damaged can occur due to snow that has fallen.
If heavy snow is expected, I would like to refrain from driving or going out, but I think there are times when you have to move.
In such cases, take the following actions to prevent injuries and accidents.
(1) When driving a car
・Drive with chains attached to studless tires.
・Load your car with shovels, blankets, cold weather gear, water and food in case you get stuck in the snow.
・If you get into a dangerous situation or get tired, stop your car at a roadside station or parking area and take a rest.
・Turn on the hazard lamps when stopping in a whiteout (a state in which the field of vision becomes completely white and nothing can be seen).
・Turn off the engine when the car is covered with snow. (to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning)
・Do not start suddenly or brake suddenly, and try to drive safely more than usual.
(2) When walking in the snow
・Take narrow strides, and walk with the intention of keeping the soles of your feet on the ground. (so as not to slip)
・Keep both hands free so that you can put your hands on it in case you fall.
・Do not walk under or near the roof to avoid snow falling from the roof.
In addition, many of the injuries and accidents caused by snow occur during snow removal (snow removal and snow removal).
[Accident that actually happened during snow removal]
・Fall from the roof by losing balance while removing snow.
・During snow removal, it is buried in the snow that fell from the roof. Snow hits.
・He collapsed from myocardial infarction due to working in the cold outdoors for a long time, which put a strain on his body.
To prevent such accidents, please pay attention to the following points when removing snow.
・Do not work alone, cooperate with your family and neighbors, and always work with two or more people.
・Keep your mobile phone with you while removing snow.
・Be sure to use lifelines and helmets, and secure ladders when using them.
・In order to prevent accidents and injuries due to falling snow, priority should be given to removing snow from the roof.
・If you get tired, take a break and do not force yourself to continue working.
So far, we have looked at snow damage, but here is a summary of heavy snow that has caused serious damage in the past few years.
| year of occurrence | Occurrence area | Main damage |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Sea of Japan side from northern Japan to western Japan | Due to heavy snow due to winter-type pressure distribution, 291 m of snowfall was recorded in Fujiwara, Minakami City, Gunma Prefecture. On the Kan-Etsu Expressway, about 2,100 cars got stuck on the road from Niigata to Gunma. It took three days for the Self-Defense Forces and the police to distribute food and clear the snow. There were also train suspensions and accidents during snow removal. |
| 2018 | Hokuriku region | Damage caused by Typhoon No.19 Due to the strong cold air above, record-breaking heavy snow fell on the Sea of Japan side, especially in the Hokuriku region, with 147 cm in Fukui, 87 cm in Kanazawa, and 75 cm in Toyama. Accidents during snow removal work kill 33 people and injure about 300 people |
| 2017 | Nasu Town, Tochigi Prefecture | A large-scale avalanche occurred near the Nasu Onsen Family Ski Resort in Nasu Town, Tochigi Prefecture, on a day when heavy snow fell mainly in the mountains of the Kanto Koshinetsu region. A group of high school students and teachers who were conducting a "Haruyama Safety Climbing Course" got involved, resulting in 8 deaths and 40 injuries. |
Damage caused by heavy snow occurs once every few years. Get knowledge about things to be aware of during heavy snowfall and accidents that may occur.
Natural disasters that frequently occur in Japan include the following.
·earthquake
·tsunami
·volcanic eruption
・ Typhoon (heavy rain)
·tornado
・Snow damage
Japan is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world, so you never know when or if you will be caught up in one. Make sure you know what kind of disaster each is, what kind of danger there is, and basic countermeasures.
As a common preparation for all natural disasters, check the hazard map and know the high-risk disasters that occur near your home or workplace, and check the evacuation sites and evacuation routes. It is also important to prepare an emergency bag and water, food, and tools that will last for several days even if the lifelines of water, electricity, and gas are cut off.
アクセス日本留学Editorial Department.アクセス日本留学" where foreign students can request materials to find Japanese schools, and hold "advancement information sessions for foreign students".
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