Water for people.pdf - WHO Thailand Digital Repository

G R E A T E R T O KY O , J A P A N / 4 8 3Ah, what a pleasureto cross a stream in summer– sandals in hand.Buson (1716-1783)THIS CASE STUDY PRESENTS the example of river basins that serveone of the world’s most populous areas, a region of 27 millionpeople. In addition to its extremely high density, Tokyometropolitan is subject to seasonal floods and other hazards such asdroughts and earthquakes. However, because it is a rich and industrializedcountry, Japan has the means – and the skills – to manage these risksusing infrastructure such as dams, levees and underground floodways.There is also great emphasis placed on public awareness and disasterpreparedness. The authorities have developed early warning systems thatrely on the Internet, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and hazardmapping, and there are shelters where people can take refuge. Suchcontinuous efforts have ensured that one of the world’s largest economicdevelopments has been able to safeguard its population in the high-risksregion. Other concerns include a degraded natural environment andpollution of groundwater, and many efforts, such as river restorationworks, are being implemented with wide public participation.