Drones Deliver Essential Supplies to Isolated Villages

Jan 17, 2024 | News On Japan

Ishikawa, Jan 17, 2024 (News On Japan) - With roads still blocked due to landslides following the Noto Peninsula earthquake, making it impossible for vehicles to pass, drones are being utilized to deliver essential supplies in disaster-stricken areas.

As of January 15, two weeks after the earthquake, 176 people in eight districts of Wajima City remain isolated.

Japan's Self-Defense Forces are distributing supplies to people in isolated villages, but manpower is limited. In light of this, a new initiative using drones to deliver support materials is being implemented.

Essential supplies such as light oil for generators are being delivered by drone to evacuation centers, including a primary school located several kilometers away.

A drone operator commented, "We are transporting goods in response to a request from the Ground Self-Defense Forces. While a human bucket brigade requires many people, with drones, we can transport items with less than one-tenth of the manpower, so we are utilizing that."

The initiative to deliver supplies via drones, including medication for elderly residents with chronic illnesses, is said to be the first of its kind in Japan during a disaster. Sixteen days after the earthquake, further use of drones in the affected areas is anticipated.

Source: MBS NEWS

Typhoon No. 13 Forecast to Make Closest Approach to Japan Next Week

Typhoon No. 13 (Dolphin) is forecast to intensify into a violent storm before approaching the Ogasawara Islands early next week, while a possible westward shift in its track is raising concern over potential effects in western Japan and Kyushu.

Kumamoto Quake Survivors Face Heat, Water Shortages

Residents across earthquake-stricken Kumamoto Prefecture are enduring extreme heat without water, electricity or air conditioning as rescue teams continue searching collapsed buildings following the powerful earthquake that registered the maximum seismic intensity of 7.

Three Dead, Three Missing After Explosion Devastates Aeon Mall Kumamoto

Three women have been confirmed dead, one person is in cardiopulmonary arrest and three employees remain unaccounted for after a powerful explosion devastated Aeon Mall Kumamoto following the magnitude 7.1 earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture on July 28.

Typhoon No. 13 Forecast to Reach Violent Strength Before Approaching Ogasawara Islands

Typhoon No. 13 (Dolphin) continued to intensify over the Marshall Islands on July 29 and is forecast to become a violent typhoon by July 31 before approaching the Ogasawara Islands early next week, potentially bringing severe winds, high waves and other effects to Japanese territory.

Kumamoto Earthquake Death Toll Rises to 13

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on July 29 that 13 people had died following the powerful earthquake that registered the maximum seismic intensity of 7 in Kumamoto Prefecture, including cases still being investigated for a possible connection to the disaster.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Child Chews on Metal Screw in Kindergarten Lunch

A metal screw about 1.5 centimeters long was found inside the mouth of a 4-year-old child having lunch at a kindergarten in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, city officials said.

Doctor Arrested for Third Time Over Pinching Schoolgirl Uniforms

A 41-year-old doctor has been arrested on suspicion of stealing a high school girl's gym uniform from her bag on a train in Hyogo Prefecture, marking his third arrest over alleged offenses involving female students' clothing.

Japan Depopulation Accelerates

Japan's Japanese-national population fell below 120 million as the country recorded its largest annual decline since comparable data began, according to a survey released Wednesday.

Tokyo Prosecutor Dismissed Over Improper Relationship With Suspect

A Tokyo prosecutor who played a leading role in a major political funds investigation has been dismissed for having a sexual relationship with a female suspect before her criminal case was resolved and accepting electronic money from her.

51 Foreigners Including Five Japanese Detained in Laos

Authorities in Laos have detained 51 foreign nationals, including five Japanese men and women, on suspicion of involvement in an online fraud operation selling furniture and home appliances.

Coast Guard Searches High School Over Fatal Boat Accident

The Japan Coast Guard has searched Doshisha International High School on suspicion of professional negligence resulting in death and injury following a boat accident off Henoko in Nago, Okinawa Prefecture, that killed a female student and a boat captain.

Naoki Prize-Winning Author Keigo Higashino Dies at 68

Keigo Higashino, the Naoki Prize-winning author whose prolific career produced such bestsellers as Journey Under the Midnight Sun and The Devotion of Suspect X, died of colon cancer in the early hours of July 23, his publisher said. He was 68.

Where Are the Stolen Pears Going?

A wave of pear thefts has prompted police and farmers to strengthen patrols as growers warn that stolen fruit is likely being resold online or from roadside vehicles.

< 2 3 4 5 >