SAKIGAKE管理人 Introduction: July 5—“Northern Kyushu Heavy Rain Day”
From July 5 to 6, 2017, record-breaking rainfall struck Fukuoka and Oita prefectures. This disaster was officially named the “Northern Kyushu Torrential Rain” by the Japan Meteorological Agency. The total precipitation exceeded 500 mm, and in Asakura City, rainfall reached 545.5 mm in 24 hours—setting a new record. Forty people lost their lives, two went missing, and widespread destruction occurred, including the collapse of homes and infrastructure such as railways and roads. This disaster highlighted the immense challenges of disaster response.
In this article, we summarize the background and lessons of the event, and discuss the strategies and future direction proposed by us at SAKIGAKE JAPAN, a disaster preparedness company.
The Mechanism Behind the Rainfall: Formation of a Linear Rainband
2.1 Southwest Winds and Rainband Formation
The combination of a stationary Baiu front and Typhoon No. 3 (Nanmadol) caused a massive influx of water vapor into the atmosphere. Cold air also entered the region, resulting in the formation of a “linear rainband” consisting of cumulonimbus clouds stretching from east to west over Asakura and other areas. Torrential rain fell repeatedly in the same locations.
2.2 Intense and Prolonged Rainfall
Asakura recorded hourly rainfall exceeding 80 mm multiple times, and numerous “record-breaking short-term heavy rain information” alerts were issued. The 24-hour total of 545.5 mm far surpassed standard rainfall assumptions, indicating an extreme weather event.
Overview of the Damage: Human and Social Impacts
3.1 Human Casualties and Disruption of Daily Life
The torrential rain resulted in 40 deaths and 2 missing persons—a total of 42 people affected.
3.2 Damage to Infrastructure and Industry
Numerous homes were destroyed by flooding and landslides. Lifelines such as roads, railways, and agriculture/forestry industries suffered severe damage.
Lessons Learned and Implications for Current Disaster Risk Reduction
4.1 Forecasting and Communication Challenges
While the Japan Meteorological Agency issued emergency warnings, in many cases, the disasters had already begun by the time alerts were released. This highlighted the critical need for early evacuation before warnings are issued.
4.2 Revising Urban Design and Land Use
The unexpected stagnation of a linear rainband demands that city infrastructure and land use plans incorporate resilience to extreme weather phenomena.
4.3 Strengthening Local Preparedness through Mutual Aid
Collaboration among municipalities, residents, and businesses is essential. By integrating disaster preparedness into daily routines, we can build systems that function effectively during emergencies.
SAKIGAKE JAPAN’s Initiatives and Proposals
5.1 Real-Time Visualization of Meteorological Risks
Climate Vision / Water Vision
These AI- and cloud-powered systems provide real-time visualization of flood, river overflow, and landslide risks. They support evacuation decisions based on predictive data, aiding municipalities and businesses.
5.2 Autonomous On-Site Support Technologies
Cold Storage Box Portable
This solar-powered cold storage device maintains refrigeration for over 7 hours during blackouts. It can be swiftly deployed in shelters or medical facilities to preserve medicine and food supplies.
Heli-Portable (Mobile Heliport)
This portable heliport enables air transport of relief goods and personnel when infrastructure is damaged. It ensures rapid access to affected areas.
5.3 Co-Creation with Communities and Municipalities
Disaster Management Specialist
We promote programs that enhance disaster preparedness capabilities through training, risk communication, and skilled personnel development.
Evacuation Guidance and Glow-in-the-Dark Signage
Our “10-Year Photoluminescent Signage” ensures visible evacuation routes during blackouts or communication failures, improving nighttime and emergency evacuation efforts.
Building a Disaster-Resilient Society through Collaboration
Disaster preparedness cannot be achieved by any single party. Collaboration among three key stakeholders is essential:
- Governments: Develop land use and disaster plans addressing flood and landslide risks; organize training programs.
- Businesses: Establish BCPs, protect employee safety, and strengthen facility disaster resilience.
- Residents/Communities: Conduct evacuation drills, build habits for receiving emergency information, and form self-help groups.
“Don’t wait for warnings—build preparedness into daily life.”
This is the new paradigm for disaster readiness.
Conclusion: The Future of Disaster Preparedness Begins Today
The Northern Kyushu Torrential Rain of July 2017 exposed the risks associated with record-breaking rainfall during the rainy season. As we face a new phase of disasters marked by linear rainbands, traditional warning zones and standard evacuation practices are no longer sufficient.
At SAKIGAKE JAPAN, we support the development of future-oriented disaster preparedness systems through “real-time visualization technologies,” “autonomous infrastructure,” and “community and personnel support.” Together, let us build a society that can prevent, mitigate, and connect through disaster resilience.
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