Technology and Japan's Disaster Relief Program

How does Japan help other countries with technological advancements?

Japan is one the fastest technologically advancing countries in the world, and continue to use it to help mitigate natural disasters. Driven by its frequent exposure to natural disasters such as hurricanes, typhoons, tsunamis, etc. Japan has constantly used technology to innovate and develop its disaster relief tactics. This has global benefits due to not only Japan’s self-relief but its assistance to other nations as well.

Earthquake Early Warning Systems

One of Japan’s revolutionary inventions was its early earthquake warning systems. Developed in 2007, the data of this technology uses over 1,600 seismic sensors across the country to detect initial tremors and alert the population before the earthquake takes place. These warnings are delivered via all media, including televisions, smartphones, social media, the radio, and more. Allowing individuals to seek safety and mitigate the risk of injury or death. Many apps have also been created to give individuals “safety tips” on natural disasters and how to prepare for upcoming ones.

Drones and Robots in Rescue Operations

To help assist and rescuing and recovery, Japan has employed the “3rd Eye Drone System”. These drones are equipped with thermal imaging to provide rescue teams with a 3D silhouette of people trapped under debris in a disaster. These drones can operate through all hazardous conditions. Even entering areas contaminated by chemicals or disease.

Localized Rainstorm and Tsunami Predictions

“Guerilla Rainstorms” pose significant threats to Urban areas threatened by coastal disasters. As a result of this, Japan created its 3D Amagumo Weather app, which predicts storms using advanced radar technology and real-time data analysis. Simulations are run on computers through Fugaku to forecast storm probabilities to help provide people with emergency alerts within 30 minutes. Similar to this, we have seen institutions like Tohoku University, make tsunami prediction apps These apps, estimate the impact of the wave, the height, targeted areas, and potential death count. This data is also distributed in around 30 minutes, giving residents an accurate choice to evacuate or stay.

Public-Private Partnerships

Japan’s rescue teams rely heavily on the relationship between government bodies and private companies. One example of this is Sendai City parenting with private companies such as Nokia and Hitachi, to provide drones that deliver evacuation information and help hurt civilians. The relationship between government bodies and private companies helps rapidly increase technology advancement, further pushing disaster response systems to become more successful.

Global Contributions

Japan actively sends its disaster management products to other countries. One example of this is the flood-control systems they share with Thailand. They also share seismic trackers with Turkey and tsunami protections with Chile. By helping other countries mitigate disaster before the events rather than prioritizing recovery, Japan is actively preventing the effects of natural disasters and saving the jobs, housing, and lives of many. Japan provides a perfect example of how to use innovation In technology to protect nations from the natural impacts that are out of their control.