How one Tokyo ward is preparing to weather the stormーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

Key Concepts

• Tropical Storm Chami: The weather system approaching eastern Japan.
• Meguro Ward: A specific district in Tokyo serving as the primary case study for disaster preparedness.
• Flood Mitigation: Strategies including sandbags, drainage pumps, and water stop plates.
• Evacuation Protocols: Proactive measures taken by local authorities to house residents before official alerts.
• Subsidy Programs: Financial incentives provided by the government to help residents install flood-prevention infrastructure.

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1. Overview of Preparations in Meguro Ward

As Tropical Storm Chami approaches eastern Japan, authorities in Meguro Ward are implementing proactive disaster management strategies. Despite current weather conditions appearing mild, the ward is operating under a "better safe than sorry" policy, informed by the severe flooding experienced in September of the previous year.

2. Lessons from Past Disasters

The urgency of the current preparations is rooted in a record-breaking rainfall event from the previous September, where 134 millimeters of rain fell in a single hour. This resulted in:

• Extensive damage to approximately 400 houses and commercial properties.
• Basement flooding in local businesses, causing significant inventory loss.
• A shift in public sentiment, where residents are now taking preventative action much earlier than in previous years.

3. Mitigation Frameworks and Tools

Meguro Ward has deployed several physical assets to protect residents and property:

• Sandbags: The ward has prepared 1,600 new sandbags for immediate distribution, supplementing a pre-existing stockpile of nearly 10,000 bags stored across 70 locations. These are provided free of charge to residents.
• Drainage Pumps: 12 portable drainage pumps are available for rent to residents, a direct response to the lack of such equipment during the previous year's flooding.
• Water Stop Plates: To protect commercial and residential entrances, the ward offers a subsidy program covering up to 90% of the installation costs for water stop plates.

4. Evacuation Procedures

• Centers: Evacuation centers have been established in ward office buildings, featuring traditional tatami mat flooring.
• Proactive Access: Officials encourage residents to evacuate if they feel concerned, even before an official evacuation alert is issued.
• Self-Sufficiency: Evacuation centers have limited supplies (food, water, chargers, blankets). Residents are advised to bring their own emergency kits.
• Information Accessibility: The Meguro Ward website provides safety tips and evacuation information in 22 languages to ensure inclusivity.

5. Expert Advice and System Updates

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has recently revised its information announcement system. Key recommendations for residents include:

• Familiarization: Residents are urged to learn the new JMA alert system.
• Hazard Mapping: Individuals should consult local hazard maps to understand their specific risk levels.
• Personal Agency: The primary takeaway is that if a resident feels any level of concern, they should act immediately to reach a safe location rather than waiting for official instructions.

6. Notable Statements

• Resident Perspective: An 84-year-old resident, having experienced previous flooding, emphasized the necessity of long-term preparation: "We need to prepare not just for tomorrow but for the rainy periods that are going to come in the future."
• Official Stance: Authorities emphasize that the ward is "not leaving anything to chance," highlighting the shift from reactive to proactive disaster management.

Synthesis

The response to Tropical Storm Chami in Meguro Ward demonstrates a highly organized, community-focused approach to disaster resilience. By combining physical infrastructure (sandbags, pumps, subsidies) with clear communication and proactive evacuation policies, the ward aims to mitigate the impact of extreme weather. The core takeaway is the importance of individual responsibility—using available resources like hazard maps and acting early—to ensure safety in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.