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A large number of typhoons (pronounced taifu in Japanese) hit Japan each year.

A typhoon is a natural phenomenon that can occur when clouds holding a lot of water gather as a result of warm ocean currents.

Typhoons tend to occur more often during the summer months, with the largest number of  typhoons occuring between June and September.

Warnings and advisories are often issued during typhoons. It is important to pay attention to updates from weather services, the government and news agencies via television, radio, and the Internet.

Classification of Tropical Storms/Typhoons

Strength
Classification	Wind Speed（m/s）	The strength of a typhoon is determined by its sustained wind speed (in meters/second)
Strong typhoon Very strong typhoon Violent typhoon	33 ～43 44 ～ 53 54 or above

 

Size
Classification	Radius（km）	The size of a typhoon is determined by the radius of the region experiencing gale force winds (average wind speed of 15m/s or higher)
Large Super Large	500 ～ 799 800 above

 

Information about a typhoon’s strength, size and predicted path are broadcast via television and other media.

Typhoon path prediction

This figure shows a typhoon’s projected size and path over three days.

 

The “storm area” is the area closest to the center of a typhoon. This area experiences heavy rain and winds of 25m/s and above. If the storm area is predicted to move over your region, you should pay particular attention to information about the typhoon.

Large scale typhoons cause strong winds and heavy rain, which can inflict massive damage in affected areas. Typhoons have damaged buildings and claimed lives in prefectures all over Japan, including Mie, over the years.

 

Evacuation Alerts

During natural disasters, city or town mayors may issue evacuation recommendations or evacuation orders.

Evacuation preparation (避難準備情報, hinan junbi jouhou) ＝Individuals with physical disabilities, the elderly, families with infants, and other people who require additional time to evacuate should prepare for evacuation.

Evacuation recommendation (避難勧告, hinan kankoku) ＝This alert is issued when it is determined that the threat to people living the area has increased. Those who can should begin evacuating.

Evacuation order (避難指示, hinan shiji) ＝This alert is issued when the threat to residents is extremely high. While this alert is not legally binding, it is essentially an order for residents to evacuate the area.

 

Please evacuate immediately when  evacuation recommendations or evacuation orders are issued. If you think that you are in danger during a typhoon, it is important that you evacuate, even if an alert has not been issued.

 

Protecting yourself from Typhoons

What can we do to prepare for and protect ourselves from typhoons? Here are a few ways that you can keep yourself and your family safe.

１．Unsecured objects, or objects that may be picked up by strong winds should be removed from verandas and brought inside.

２．Prepare a flashlight/torch to prepare for potential blackouts and the possibility of evacuation. It is important that you ready a flashlight/torch as a part of your emergency kit/bag.

３．During a typhoon, water services may be interrupted. Secure water for use in these situations by filling your bathtub up with water before a typhoon strikes.

４．Close storm doors and lower storm shutters. Tightly close and lock windows and doors.

５．Regularly check to see if your gutters are clogged or they have become detached from your roof. Regularly confirm whether or not your roofing tiles and TV antenna are securely affixed to your roof.

６．Talk to your family about where your nearest evacuation center is, and how you will contact each other in the event of a natural disaster.

７．Refrain from leaving your home unless it is absolutely necessary.

 

Search and Rescue During and After a Natural Disaster

Immediately after a large-scale natural disaster,  it make some time for firefighters and Self-Defense Force personel to reach the affected areas. It is therefore very important for members of affected communities to help one another after a disaster strikes.

After the Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, 80% of the people who were rescued were rescued by their neighbors or family.

【Data obtained through a survey of 840 evacuees in Kobe】

 

This demonstrates the importance of cooperating with other members of your community when disaster strikes. Remember,  a simple greeting each morning can help build the relationships necessary for members of your community to overcome future natural disasters.