Society

Tokyo estimates super typhoon damage

Mar 31 (NHK) - The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has released its first estimate of maximum storm surges triggered by a super typhoon hitting Tokyo Bay.

The central government made legal revisions 3 years ago to simulate maximum levels of storm surges at major bays across Japan after a series of typhoon and storm disasters.

Tokyo's estimate is based on a scenario that a typhoon with a central atmospheric pressure of 910 hectopascals has made landfall in the Kanto region, without its strength being diminished.

It says storm surges as high as 6 meters will hit Tokyo Bay, leaving low-lying areas flooded to a depth of more than 5 meters. It adds that the water could be 10 meters deep in some places.

The estimate also says that 17 of Tokyo's 23 wards -- an area as wide as 212 square kilometers -- could be inundated. These areas include key business and commercial districts.

It warns that the flooding may continue for more than one week, forcing about one million residents to leave their home wards for other municipalities.

An evacuation plan for such a scenario is still being discussed.

Each ward is required to produce a hazard map with information on evacuation routes and shelters, and to coordinate with Tokyo and the central government over related measures.

Source: ANNnewsCH

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