Japanese editorial excerpts

TOKYO, Sept. 8 Kyodo

Selected editorial excerpts from the Japanese press:

STRENGTHEN MEASURES TO COPE WITH TYPHOONS (The Daily Yomiuri as translated from the Yomiuri Shimbun)

Typhoon No. 14, a powerful rainstorm, hit the Japanese archipelago Tuesday. The typhoon brought record-breaking torrential rain over a wide area, including the Kyushu, Chugoku and Shikoku regions, with damage continuing to spread.

Typhoons hit Japan every year. In the past few years, however, they have wreaked major damage, as if we were attacked off guard. There have been many cases in which stormy winds and torrential rains have inflicted serious damage.

The Meteorological Agency is increasing its vigilance, pointing out that recently there has been an increase in the occurrence of torrential rains, often following typhoons.

Some experts have claimed that the increase in torrential rainfall is linked to global warming. Such rainfall has taken the form of unpredicted and isolated downpours, leaving forecasts almost useless. There have even been cases in which people did not have enough time to take refuge.

There is no telling when torrential rain will hit. On the assumption that there is no knowing in advance, the central and local governments need to expedite their efforts to come up with countermeasures. Besides, the Japanese archipelago is becoming ever more vulnerable each year to damage from heavy rains.

In urban areas, where streets are paved with asphalt, there is little room for rainwater to escape. Even a midsize or small river can overflow into streets if a storm causes the water level to rise quickly.

Meanwhile, hilly lands are losing much of their water-retention ability, chiefly due to land development. In these areas, many houses stand that are vulnerable to landslides. According to a survey taken by the Construction and Transport Ministry, there are as many as 210,000 such danger spots across the nation.

First of all, the central government's meteorological observation system should be improved so the government can issue detailed forecasts quickly. Governments of cities, towns and villages also should define in advance their criteria for issuing evacuation calls and issue them promptly when necessary.

Another important task is the upgrading of hazard maps for local governments. A hazard map indicates areas likely to be inundated by overflowing rivers and shows facilities to which people can evacuate. Yet only 30 percent of local governments have upgraded their hazard maps to cover areas at risk if major rivers flood.

The typhoon season is just coming into full swing. We should be on the alert.

(Sept. 8)

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