Investigation Analysis of the Kumamoto High- tide Damage by Typhoon 9918 Using Satellite Remote Sensing
Typhoon 9918 profoundly attacked Japan From September 20-25, 1999, resulting high tides and nationwide rainstorm which caused huge damages in Japan. These damages included not only human losses but also spoiled farm products, which were caused by the salt breeze generated by the typhoon. Especially in Kumamoto, lots of farmland was flooded to seawater, causing the massive destruction not only to the farm yields but also negatively influenced to the local society. Usually the damages from salt breeze are quite difficult to notice right after the happening of damage to the farm products, thus, the counter-measure is generally delayed, making the damages worsen. In particular the damages from salt breeze originated by the Typhoon 9918 in Kumamoto and particularly in the Gulf of Yatsushiro coast puts serious impacts. In this study we considered the possibility of early detection of the damage from salt breeze. For that we analyzed the activity of a plant with the help of satellite remote sensing technology. Results showed an area of damage caused by typhoon, even the damage after a typhoon appears just a little. Furthermore, we understand that the replacement of soil is necessary in the case of damage from salt breeze and submergence and takes time for the fixation of vegetation. Accordingly, we suggest the use of remote sensing technology to identify and detect the damages caused by typhoons before its actual happening. In addition, with the use of latest technologies and early warnings we can also keep the damage at minimum level.