Associate Professor Maki Koyama, the River Basin Research Center, Gifu University appears on "NHK Special".

Name of the Program
"NHK Special"

Time & Date
9:00p.m. - 9:50p.m., Saturday, June 20, 2020

Rebroadcasting
12:50a.m. - 1:40a.m., Thursday, June 25, 2020

Cast Member
Associate Professor Maki Koyama, River Basin Research Center

Theme (tentative)
"COVID-19 and Heavy Rains: Prepare for Multiple Disasters"

Almost every year, typhoons wreak tremendous havoc on many parts of Japan. With the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic this year, we need to remain on higher alert than ever. One of the biggest concerns for each municipality is how to operate evacuation shelters (gymnasiums, city halls, etc.) where residents take shelter from natural disasters such as earthquakes, heavy rains, flooding, etc. However, these shelters are now considered to be a breeding ground for new infections because people cannot avoid "Three Cs (Closed spaces with poor ventilation, Crowded places with many people nearby, and Close-contact settings such as close-range conversations). Many municipal governments are contemplating the limitation of number of evacuees in one shelter, and are proposing "decentralized evacuations," but how to secure enough spaces and create strong support systems for people are still big challenges for every municipality. The latest information and practical disaster preparedness that Dr. Koyama will offer us will guide us to save our lives and assets against upcoming dreadful typhoon season likely to be worsened by the COVID-19. (from NHK Special website)