Study on the improvement of response capabilities for local governments against wind disasters such as tornadoes

Abstract

This paper describes how to plan the emergency operation against wind disasters such as tornadoes as well as how to improve the response capabilities for local governments. The authors investigated some Local Disaster Management Plans documented by many prefectures and traced the response action of Saga City just after the occurrence of the tornado in 2004. It is recommended that the use of the tornado watch/warning system by the Japan Meteorological Agency should be included in the emergency management plan. Furthermore, key facilities which are necessary for maintaining the response action during severe events should be protected perfectly.