(1)Typhoon and heavy rain brings massive disasters

Typhoon season hits Japan in July to October every year and can cause heavy rain and strong winds. Recently, floods by a squall occur frequently. Cumulonimbus clouds producing heavy rain will develop quickly in a short matter of time. It is difficult to forecast heavy rain compared with typhoon.

Osaka City has done maintenance for tide walls to prepare if the most powerful typhoon (Isewan Typhoon) in Japan history hits Japan again. Since 1976, there has been no case of the damage caused by a tidal wave. Sewage maintenance is under way for preparations for heavy rain which occurs once in 10 years (rainfall of 60mm in an hour)

■ Characteristic of flood damage in urban area

Since the roads are paved with asphalt in urban areas, huge amount of rainwater can flow into the sewers at once, so drain system cannot work. Eventually rainwater comes out from manholes or side ditches. Flooding can result in great damage to the underground and underground service areas.

When you are in the underground, you should pay attention to rainfall and time span of raining. Speed of running water is so fast that it will be difficult to evacuate up to the ground. If you expect a flood, evacuate as quickly as possible.

(2)Preparations for Typhoon

Pay close attention to the meteorological information by TV, radio or the internet. When a typhoon is close, do not go out in heavy rain. Do not go to bank, seashore and river to watch what’s going on there.

■In case of strong winds

(When you are outside)

Watch out for falling roof tiles, signs, street trees, etc. Try not to walk down. Evacuate into a sturdy building.

 (When you are inside)

Watch out for broken glass. Do not get close to the windows during strong winds.

 (When you are on seashore)

You may fall into the sea or be caught in a high wave. Evacuate immediately to higher ground.

■In case of heavy rain

 (When you are in river side)

Due to heavy rain, headwater may be swelled quickly. Do not get close to the river, etc.

 (When you are driving)

When the roads are flooded, evacuate to higher ground.

 (When you are in the street)

If you encounter flooding, evacuate immediately up to higher ground over 3F in the building.

(3) When evacuating in times of typhoon

(Cloths)

Protect your head with a helmet or anything you can cover your head. Wear shoes with good traction. Do not wear rain boots and do not go barefoot.

 (Pay attention to depth)

In case of a flood, if the water is running slow, the possible depth for walking is 70cm for men and 50cm for women.

 (Pay attention to your feet)

In the water, there are uncovered manholes or side ditches. When walking, check the safety around your feet using a long stick.

 (Do not evacuate alone)

Call out your neighbors and evacuate with them as a group. Not to be apart. Tie a part of your body with a rope.

 (For children and elderly people)

Carry elderly or sick people on your back. Give an inner tube (flotation device) for children to ensure their safety.

 (If a shelter is far)

If you cannot reach an evacuation area, temporary evacuate to higher ground over 3F in the building.

■Evacuation warnings and instructions

(4) Everyday Measures

 (Roof) Repair if roof tiles or a tin roof have racks, slides or came off. TV antenna should be fixed.

 (Outside wall, inside wall) Check for cracks, breakage or unsteady parts on walls.

 (Window) Check for breakage, looseness or unsteady parts on windows. If a typhoon comes, attach a board on windows from the outside or attach gummed tapes as X marks on windows from the inside.

 (Side ditch, drain) Clear side ditches and drains to make water run smoothly.

 (Gutters) Reinforce if the joint parts or coating material have come off

Clean the gutter if sand or fallen leaves are stacked