Japan developed a flood forecasting system due to rain

The new system could calculate the level of inundation caused by heavy rains in 23 districts in Tokyo, helping city authorities implement more specific measures to prevent flooding.

On May 20, Japanese scientists announced the development of a new system, which could estimate flooding when rain is pouring down in urban areas in Tokyo.

An area in Oyama, Tochigi, north of Tokyo during a flood - (Photo: AFP).

A group of researchers from Waseda University, Tokyo University and other schools have developed systems that can calculate flood levels caused by heavy rains in 23 districts in Tokyo. They have set up a program to forecast the amount of water in urban areas, taking into account the density of buildings, rivers and drains.

By using Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) data and other agencies, this system can analyze the extent of damage caused by flooding from heavy rains and storms.

Predicted flood levels are identified by color on the map. For example, red represents the water level of 80cm or more, the orange color ranges from 40-80cm and the blue color ranges from 20-40cm. In addition, this system can also display forecasts every 5 minutes to 20 minutes.

According to the researchers, flooding in urban areas was previously estimated mainly from clouds that signaled the rain . However, the new system could evaluate the situation in more detail by using a lot of field-based data, thereby helping the city government implement more specific measures to prevent the situation. flooding.

As planned, this system will be put into operation before the Tokyo Summer Olympics begins in July 2020.