TOKYO, May 20 (Xinhua) -- Japanese researchers announced Monday that they have developed a new, real-time flood prediction system for Tokyo's urban areas, which will be available on the Internet next month on a trial basis.
A group of researchers from Waseda University, the University of Tokyo and others developed the system, which can estimate levels of inundation caused by heavy rainfalls in the capital's 23 wards.
The researchers created a program to predict the flow of water in urban areas, taking into account the density of buildings, rivers and sewers. By using data from the Japan Meteorological Agency and other agencies, the system can analyze inundation damage caused by heavy rainfall and typhoons.
The predicted levels of inundation are color-coded on a map. For example, red represents for 80 cm or more, orange for 40 to 80 cm and green for 20 to 40 cm.
In addition to real-time data, the system can also display forecasts for every five minutes up to 20 minutes.
According to the researchers, floods in urban areas have previously been estimated largely from data on rain clouds. However, the new system can assess the flood situation in greater detail by using a variety of ground-based data, which will allow authorities to take more specific measures against disasters.
The system is expected to begin full operation before the Tokyo Olympic Games start in July of the next year.
