Information support systems for community-based flood risk management

Custom-made information support systems for community-based flood risk management were developed. These systems were designed to satisfy residents' needs for local flood risk and safety information in their community through the implementation of flood risk communication. To extend these support systems to an integrated support system for community-based flood risk management, the systems were combined with evacuation-support plans for individuals requiring assistance. Basic evacuation data on people requiring assistance in episodic disasters were obtained and analysed by conducting an evacuation drill in a virtual disaster scenario. It became apparent that additional temporary evacuation spots are required to ensure the safety of individuals requiring assistance and their assistants because their travelling speeds were much slower than had been supposed. The supporting systems were found to be effective in enhancing residents' awareness of the need for both self-reliance and mutual aid.