Journal of Natural Disaster Science

RISK TO LIFE, WARNING SYSTEMS, AND PROTECTIVE CONSTRUCTION AGAINST PAST STORM SURGES IN OSAKA BAY

Yoshito TSUCHIYA
Professor
and
Yoshiaki KAWATA
Associate Professor, Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University, Kyoto

(Received 30 October, 1981 and in revised form 25 December, 1981)

Abstract

We here report an investigation of historical changes in the relationships between risk to life and the energy of typhoons which have landed in Japan. Risk to life decreases with the availability of advance information systems as well as with the establishment of protective constructions against typhoons. The effects of warning systems on the risk to life during the three biggest typhoons that have recently hit the islands of Japan are discussed. Based on typhoon information and refuge warnings given during storm surge disasters, soft countermeasures have contributed to a significant reduction in the risk to life.

Key words

life risk, storm surges, warning system, Osaka bay, countermeasures for disasters