Several parts of the islands have been hit with flooding at different points this summer. One characteristic of flash flooding is the intensity of sudden downpours—which are often unexpected. Research teams working in Japan have come up with a novel idea that might help. HPR’s Bill Dorman explains in today’s Asia Minute.
When it comes to flash flooding, scientists and engineers in Japan think some help could come from manhole covers. When torrential downpours flood some areas, you can see manhole covers pop open. But that’s not where the science comes from—the key lies underneath the massive slab of metal.
That’s where researchers place a set of communication chips—powered by batteries, waterproof batteries. That transforms the manhole covers into data collection and monitoring devices—which can track the water level in sewers, and eventually project the locations most vulnerable to flooding. In Japan, sudden bursts of intense rain have been a growing source of concern….and according to the Japan Times, increasing in frequency.
Thirty years ago, about half the days of the year in Japan would include heavy rainfall—defined as about 2 inches of rain an hour. Now, heavy rains fall for nearly two-thirds of the year. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government came up with the idea of monitoring water levels by way of manhole covers about 15 years ago—but it’s taken time for the technology to catch up with the goals. At least two companies now have developed products that are ready for market.
