In recent years, sediment disasters and flood damage have been occurring frequently due to large typhoons and torrential rains. Cases of flooding and inundation in a short time due to localized torrential rains have also been increasing. With countermeasures urgently needed, we introduce the latest technologies that utilize IoT to aim for disaster prevention and mitigation.
IoT as a Disaster Prevention Mitigation Solution
In Japan, where natural disasters occur frequently and labor shortages due to a declining birthrate and aging population are serious, it is necessary to implement disaster prevention measures with limited personnel. Also, when the danger of disaster is imminent, quickly grasping the situation becomes more important than anything else. This is why IoT (Internet of Things) technology is now expected as a solution.
When heavy rains continue, sediment disasters such as landslides occur in mountainous areas, and in plains, rivers overflow causing floods and inundation submersion. IoT devices can detect these dangers early and quickly transmit information. Since countermeasures are possible with relatively simple equipment, implementation by companies and local governments has already begun.
IoT devices being increasingly utilized include IoT sensors that detect precursor phenomena of sediment disasters, IoT sensors that detect rising water and submersion, and IoT cameras that capture on-site images. Disaster prevention information systems are constructed by combining IoT devices according to needs.
Flood Countermeasures × IoT
For flood damage caused by giant typhoons and guerrilla rainstorms, countermeasures are required not only by local governments but also by companies and organizations located in areas with flood risk. In all cases, a system is needed that allows disaster prevention personnel to immediately grasp the situation wherever they are, and IoT devices including submersion sensors are proving useful.
Submersion Sensor
An IoT sensor that detects submersion (rising water overflow overtopping) and inundation. It is installed as a set with an IoT wireless unit at risk points, detecting disaster precursors and transmitting information. Disaster prevention personnel monitor remotely with information aggregated on a cloud server. When safety standards are exceeded, the system automatically notifies relevant parties with alert information.
【Installation Locations】
Rivers, irrigation channels, reservoirs, levees
Urban roads, underpasses, drainage ditches
Entrances and outdoor passages of facilities in low-lying areas, etc.
IoT Camera
Like submersion sensors, IoT cameras send images to a cloud server. By installing them in combination with submersion sensors at risk points, reliable monitoring can be achieved with both sensor-detected information and images. This reduces time loss and labor required for on-site confirmation.
Sediment Disaster Countermeasures × IoT
Guerrilla rainstorms that have been occurring frequently in recent years cause many sediment disasters along with flood damage. For sediment disasters such as cliff collapses, debris flows, and landslides, it is also important to detect disaster precursors and occurrences as early as possible, and products equipped with IoT sensors play this role.
Sediment Disaster Sensor
An IoT sensor that detects slight ground inclination and vibration, which are precursors of sediment disasters. It is buried and used at dangerous locations on slopes in rivers and mountains. If installed at many points, continuous monitoring is possible, enabling early detection of ground changes and serving as a guideline for responses such as evacuation.
There are two types of sensors that detect inclination: tilt sensors and acceleration sensors, each of which has been commercialized as a sediment disaster sensor that measures ground inclination. Installation is simple: insert deeply into the ground and fix. They are equipped with a function that notifies relevant parties with alert information when safety standards are exceeded.
* Sumakui
A product in the shape of a boundary marker with a red head, with a 3D acceleration sensor and communication module built into the interior of the stake. When the sensor detects inclination or vibration, it is notified to the administrator's information terminal through the network.
Summary
It is not only individuals whose safety is threatened by natural disasters such as floods and sediment disasters. Cases of enormous damage to companies and organizations are increasing, and disaster prevention and mitigation have become issues that society as a whole should address. The introduction of IoT devices will likely accelerate even further in the future.
In the field of disaster prevention as well, we propose solutions including IoT sensors and the latest digital devices and services. Please feel free to consult with us.