Behavior of the residents prior to the occurrence of sediment disasters due to heavy rain in Hiroshima City on June 29, 1999 (Prompt Report)

Abstract

A large number of mudflows and slope failures occurred due to heavy rain, which killed twenty-four people and injured fourteen in Hiroshima Prefecture on June 29, 1999. We visited the places where were damaged by these disasters and interviewed residents, particularly about the types of behavior prior to the occurrence of mudflow. The following results were obtained :
1) As it rained more heavily and the water levels of small streams increased, residents felt uneasy about the overflow of the streams rather than expecting the possibility of an occurrence of mudflow.
2) As the rain continued, most of the residents began finding themselves in dangerous situations just before the occurrence of the mudflow and hurried to safer places within their walking range. A few residents, however, who were not able to escape to safer places or were on their way, experienced serious danger.