Japan: current status and challenges in operating flood early warning systems at the local level

This study surveyed 350 Japanese municipalities on Flood Early Warning Systems (FEWS) and identified challenges such as limited resources, difficulties in risk assessment, and issues in reaching vulnerable populations. It found that all FEWS components-risk knowledge, monitoring, dissemination, and preparedness-are interrelated, suggesting that improving one enhances the entire system. The study emphasizes the need to incorporate socio-economic factors into vulnerability assessments to improve preparedness and response capabilities at the local level.

This study provides an analysis of flood early warning systems (FEWS) in Japan, focusing on challenges faced by local municipalities. It offers:

• A national overview of FEWS operations.
• An assessment of challenges in resources, risk evaluation, and public communication.
• Insights into the interconnectedness of FEWS components (risk knowledge, monitoring, dissemination, and preparedness).
• Policy recommendations to enhance system effectiveness, especially by incorporating socio-economic vulnerability assessments to improve preparedness and response at the local level.