RESEARCH ON THE PROPER FLOOD INFORMATION SERVICE BASED ON THE FLOOD BY TYPHOON HAGIBIS IN 2019 IN THE UPPER ABUKUMA RIVER BASIN

Abstract

 On 12-13 October 2019, Typhoon Hagibis (called as Reiwa First East Japan Typhoon or Typhoon No. 19 in Japan) attacked and caused heavy rain in the wide areas of Japan. In the upper Abukuma River basin, the flood with record breaking water-levels, rising very rapidly and lasting long-time, caused numerous damages including 31 breaches of national and prefectural levees. This paper provides a study on proper flood information service, including irregular and untypical service like a direct hot-line to the mayors, as well as regular service as the legislative flood forecast. It is based on an overview of the disaster and damages with the response of Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and an analysis of actual records of flood forecasts and other flood information services to the municipalities, comparing with actual evacuation support activities by the municipalities.