Innovative Flood Prevention Strategy Using AREA RAIN in Kochi Prefecture

Innovative Flood Prevention Strategy in Ino Town

Recently, Tokyo Denki University has partnered with Ino Town and Ishigaki Co., Ltd. to commence a groundbreaking experiment aimed at addressing flood prevention utilizing a notable system known as AREA RAIN. This extensive project aligns with the government's initiative to address the increasing frequency and severity of water-related disasters across Japan.

Background and Awareness of Issues

Amidst rising instances of devastating floods nationwide, Ino Town has taken critical steps under the Niyodo River Basin Flood Control Project to enhance evacuation methods. The town has installed several flood sensors designed to inform residents of imminent dangers by uploading real-time data. However, a significant drawback is that these sensors only react after water intrusion has been detected, resulting in challenges for timely evacuations and traffic management following a disaster. Hence, there is an increased need for accurate flood prediction, driven by objective data.

Overview of the Experiment

1. Installation and Operation of Flood Sensors

Flood sensors will be strategically placed around rainwater drainage pumps supplied by Ishigaki Co., Ltd. This installation aims to visualize the effectiveness of drainage operations and provide critical information for residents and authorities.

2. Utilization of AREA RAIN

The experiment employs AREA RAIN, a high-precision rainfall information system developed by Tokyo Denki University, featuring a detailed 250m mesh network. This technology aggregates data to enhance the accuracy of flood predictions considerably.

3. Development of Visualization System

To advance the intuitive understanding of the flood situation among residents and local authorities, a user-friendly interface will be created by integrating sensor data with rainfall information. This visualization will allow for rapid situational awareness and decision-making.

4. Streamlining Disaster Response Activities

With the implemented visualization system, improvements in evacuation accuracy, swift traffic direction, and region-specific response strategies will be validated, significantly enhancing the overall efficacy of disaster response protocols.

Technical Features of AREA RAIN

AREA RAIN, developed through research at Tokyo Denki University, aspires to achieve social implementation in collaboration with municipal governments. Some of the key technological features include:

1. High-resolution Rainfall Data: Provides real-time insights into localized rainfall intensity and distribution.
2. Time Slider Functionality: Enables users to view changes in rain data across past, present, and forecasted timelines.
3. Graphical Risk Representation: Displays rainfall and flood occurrence dynamics, depicting the likelihood of flooding visually.
4. Map Integration: Offers a visually intuitive interface allowing municipal employees and citizens to grasp situations quickly and make informed decisions rapidly.

Sample Interface of AREA RAIN

Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony

The formal signing of the memorandum regarding the One Coin Flood Sensor and AREA RAIN collaboration took place on August 26, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 at Ino Town Hall, Conference Room 205. Present at the ceremony were representatives from Ino Town, Ishigaki Co., Ltd., and Tokyo Denki University.

Key Attendees:

- Fumiharu Hamada: Vice Mayor of Ino Town
- Hiroyuki Asahara: Director, Pump and Jet Division at Ishigaki Co., Ltd.
- Hiroyuki Saito: Director of Research Promotion and Social Cooperation Center, Tokyo Denki University
- Wataru Kobayashi: Special Professor at the General Research Institute, Tokyo Denki University

Conclusion

This collaboration marks a monumental step towards enhancing flood response capabilities in Ino Town through the integration of innovative technology. By leveraging the strengths of academia, industry, and local government, the joint venture aims to create a safer environment for residents.

For inquiries regarding this collaboration:

Tokyo Denki University Research Promotion and Social Cooperation Center (CRC)
Contact: Fujimaki
Phone: 03-5284-5225 / Fax: 03-5284-5242
Email: [email protected]
Address: 5 Asahi-cho, Adachi-ku, Tokyo 120-8551, Japan.