What does Japan do to prevent floods?
An intricate system of dams, levees and tunnels defends the Japan’s capital. The floodwater cathedral hidden 22 meters underground is part of the Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel (MAOUDC), a 6.3 km long system of tunnels and towering cylindrical chambers that protect North Tokyo from flooding.
How does Tokyo deal with flooding?
The answer: build it underground. One system devised to bolster Tokyo’s flood defenses is The Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel, which was completed in 2009. Also known as G-Cans, the discharge channel is the world’s largest underground flood water diversion system.
What was the innovative and ambitious flood control system that city planners in Tokyo were forced to create?
Super levees designed to create public walking areas and shopping centers have played a part in new developments moving into areas that are historically flood prone. It seems the system designed to protect Tokyo from floods has been so successful it is encouraging growth into danger areas still relatively unprotected.
Why does Tokyo have flood tunnels?
It is the world’s largest underground flood water diversion facility, built to mitigate overflowing of the city’s major waterways and rivers during rain and typhoon seasons. It is located between Showa and Kasukabe in Saitama prefecture, on the outskirts of the city of Tokyo in the Greater Tokyo Area.
Why is Tokyo at risk of flooding?
‘The city of Tokyo has long been troubled by frequent floods caused by its surrounding rivers. Among all the rivers, Arakawa River has the greatest concern of a sever flood. The total area of the flood zone is 273 square kilometers.
How much of Tokyo is underground?
40 percent
The metropolitan government says Tokyo has approximately 63,000 underground areas, with underground paths, subway systems and shopping complexes comprising 40 percent of the total. The eight largest underground shopping areas in the capital add up to about 214,000 sq.
Does Tokyo flood a lot?
‘The city of Tokyo has long been troubled by frequent floods caused by its surrounding rivers. This map shows the region and railway lines that will possibly be affected by a severe flooding event. Among all the rivers, Arakawa River has the greatest concern of a sever flood.
Is Japan prone to flood?
Floods and flood-related disasters, such as landslides, are a traditional and serious risk in Japan.
Where are the flood tunnels in Tokyo located?
Located 50m underground of Kasukabe, a city about 45km north of Tokyo, these tunnels discharge into the Edo River. Completed in 2006, the tunnel series cost USD 2 billion. 5 The assets and lives saved from the floods in 2014 justified such significant investments.
How did Japan protect itself from a flood?
In addition, the extraction of large amounts of groundwater during Japan’s rapid economic growth created a vast area in the eastern part of the city that is below sea level. Continuous pumping is required to protect this area and ensure it remains dry.
How to prepare for a flood in Japan?
Thus, inhabitants are aware of the best evacuation routes and the large land areas reserved as evacuation points.
What are the flood control measures in Tokyo?
Tokyo’s subways are a vital transportation link for travelers too. Various flood control measures have been designed to keep them operating even during torrential rains and typhoons. As an example, consider the antiflooding mechanism for sealing the ventilation ducts drawing air from street level.
