(2) Tokyo's Project Combines Flood Countermeasures with the Environment:
Major Interest in Super Levees
This article introduces the first Flood and Storm Surge Control Training Program held from January 25th to 27th, 2011, which was planned and implemented by Tokyo as one of the ANMC21 Timely Training Program.
The cities of Asia struggle with considerable damage from floods each year. This training session sought to use equipment and exercises to provide participants from each city with advanced examples drawn from Tokyo's accumulated knowledge and experience, thereby contributing to preparedness for the floods and high water levels that Asian cities face.
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Practical lectures and site visits were carried out with the four engineers: two each from Bangkok and Singapore.
On the first day, a series of lectures were held. After the participants presented their issues and measures, the River Division, Tokyo Bureau of Construction explained the super levees, the flood regulating reservoirs, and the flood forecasting system. In addition, the Bureau of Sewerage introduced sewer flood controls. During the lecture, an explanation was given demonstrating the forecasting systems for floods. Because the heavy rains have caused urban water damage in Singapore, a participant from Singapore expressed interest and asked a number of questions on Kanda River’s flood forecasting systems, and urban drainage methods used in the low sea level area along the Sumida River.
The following two days consisted of site visits. The participants observed various facilities for regulating floods like flood regulating reservoirs and pump stations. They asked questions about their maintenance and operation methods. During the visit of the super levee and the Inner Koto River, the participant from Bangkok, where flood control measures are being implemented in the area along the Chao Phraya River, was fascinated by the terrace structures integrated seamlessly into the urban area.
After finishing the training, the participants commented enthusiastically, "The super levees were very informative. I hope we have the chance to learn through on-site observation again," and "The networking achieved through the training was a great opportunity. I'd like to keep in touch with everyone who was involved in the training, and continue to gain knowledge about flood control."
Over the course of the three days, the participants from Bangkok, Singapore and Tokyo enhanced their shared understanding of flood and storm surge control methods. Despite the short duration of the training, their eager participation in the lectures and site visits enabled them to return to each of their cities with a sense of accomplishment. We hope to continue to utilize this network to improve flood and storm surge control in each city.
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