New Tsunami Detection System Utilizing Drones Launches in Fukushima

Namie, a town in Fukushima prefecture, Japan, is set to launch an innovative drone-based tsunami detection system this year aimed at enhancing evacuation efforts during massive tsunamis. The system, developed in collaboration with Aizawa Concrete Corp., employs drones to live stream footage of the sea surface when tsunami warnings are issued, helping to overcome residents’ “normalcy bias” and prompt quicker evacuations. The initiative is motivated by the tragic loss of lives during the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, where hesitation to evacuate proved fatal for many. By providing real-time visuals of approaching tsunami waves, the Namie government hopes to motivate residents and anglers to seek safety promptly.
The drone, capable of flying for up to six hours, will take off from an earthquake-resistant hangar and operate about 100 meters above sea level to capture any changes in the sea’s surface. Residents can access the live feed through a smartphone app, a feature expected to significantly improve evacuation compliance. This system aligns with similar efforts in other Japanese prefectures, including Ichinomiya, Chiba, and Sendai, which have adopted drone technology for tsunami warnings and evacuation assistance, albeit with variations in their systems.
Experts, including Professor Emeritus Yuichiro Tanioka from Hokkaido University, see the potential for further advancements, such as utilizing artificial intelligence to analyze drone footage for more accurate predictions on tsunami arrival times and heights. This technological approach represents a significant stride towards enhancing disaster preparedness and reducing the risks associated with tsunamis in Japan.