Nature-Powered Flood Prevention System Developed By Japan

A lot of rescue and damage prevention equipment tend to be ineffective during earthquakes, floods and tsunamis due to power failure that comes along. In Japan, Kyoto University and Hitachi Zosen Corp might have found a way to curb a tsunami by developing a flood prevention system known as the flap gate that lifts or runs by using the forces of nature or in this case, flood of water.

Developers claim that the flap gate can be used or placed in sea walls and entrances of buildings. The equipment can be used to block out tsunami or flood caused by heavy rains. When not needed, the flap gate is in a flat position where it is not obviously visible to anyone. The flap gate’s board will automatically rise when water rises above the water level mark in the sea.

The special resin material used in the flap gate’s board allows it to withstand water pressure and maintain being steady. Currently, the model has a size dimension of 10 meters wide and 5 meters high. via [Asahi]