Disaster Manualfor International Students
2017 Revised Permanent Edition

March 2018
University of the Ryukyus
Global Education Center
International Student Unit
Consultation Section

Table of Contents
0. How to use this manual ･････････

3

3-7. When a tsunami occurs: If a big
earthquake occurs in Okinawa ･･････ 18

Typhoons ･･････････････････
1-1. About typhoons････････････････ 5Tornados ･･････････････････

5

4-1. About tornados ･･･････････････ 20

1-3. When a typhoon approaches････ 5

4-2. When a tornado occurs ･･･････ 20

1-4. Danger of a storm surge････････ 6

4-3. Tornado warning information ･･･ 20

1-2. Preparing for typhoons･････････

1-5. A warning or an advisory when atyphoon comes

6

Area electronic alert
5-1. What is an electronic alert? ･････ 21

2. Earthquakes･･･････････････

5-2. Electronic-alert messages ･･････ 21

2-1. About earthquakes ････････････ 7
2-2. The size of an earthquake:

6. Other dangers ･･････････････

magnitude and seismic intensity ･ 8

6-1. Beware of habu snakes ････････ 22

2-3. Preparing for earthquakes ･･････ 9

6-1-1. How to distinguish habu snakes 22

2-4. When an earthquake occurs ････ 10

6-1-2. In order to not be bitten by a

2-5. When an earthquake stops →When you need to evacuate ････ 11
2-6. If a fire occurs because of anearthquake ･･･････････････････ 11
2-7. Earthquake early warnings ･････ 12

habu snake ････････････････ 22
6-1-3. Habu snakes’ nature ･････････ 22
6-1-4. If you are bitten by a habu
snake ･････････････････････ 22
6-2. Beware of dangerous landorganisms ･･･････････････････ 23

3.

Tsunami･･････････････････

6-2-1. Agate snail ･････････････････ 23

3-1. About tsunami ･･･････････････ 13

6-2-2. 0rvasca taiwana ････････････ 23

3-1-1. Features of tsunami ････････ 14

6-3. Beware of dangerous marine

3-2. Tsunami prediction ･･･････････ 14organisms ･･･････････････････ 24

3-3. Saving lives by evacuation ････ 15

6-3-1. Habu jellyfish ･･･････････････ 24

3-4. Confirm an evacuation route ･･･ 16

6-3-2. Crown of thorns ･････････････ 24

3-5. Preliminary information to prepare

6-3-3. Anboina shellfish ････････････ 24

for a tsunami ････････････････ 17
3-6. When a tsunami occurs: If a big
earthquake occurs outside of
Okinawa ････････････････････ 18

6-3-4. Sea snakes ････････････････ 25
6-3-5. Other dangerous marineorganisms ･････････････････ 25
6-4. Beware of heatstroke ･････････ 26

6-4-1. Conditions that lead toheatstroke ･････････････････ 27

8888
888.Reference data, sites ･･････8

6-4-2. Heatstroke symptoms ･･･････ 27
6-4-3. How to avoid heatstroke ･････ 27
6-4-4. If heatstroke is suspected ････ 27
7. Emergency contacts･･････････
7-1. Beware of emergencies ･･･････ 28
7-2. In case of a big disaster ･･･････ 28
7-3. Things you should be careful of ･ 28
7-4. How to make contact using acellphone or a fixed-line phone,smartphone, or tablet ･････････ 28
Reference data and sites ･････
8. Reference data ････････････････ 30
Reference data 1 chart ････････････ 34
Reference data 2 chart ････････････ 36
Reference data 3 chart ････････････ 37

2

0. How to Use This ManualThis booklet tells you what to do when you are confronted by an earthquake, tsunami, or
typhoon and how to prepare for these disasters. Reading through this in advance will
enable you to calmly and appropriately deal with these emergencies.
You can access this booklet from the International Education Center International
Student Unit homepage.
Spring 2018
The University of the Ryukyus
Global Education Center
International Student Unit
Consultation Division

For inquiries about this booklet, please contact:
Global Education Center
International Student Unit Consultation Division
Kayoko Sasaki
Ext.8113
daisukes@lab.u-ryukyu.ac.jp

3

1. Typhoons
1-1. About typhoons
In Okinawa, July through October is generally called typhoon season, but sometimes
it starts as early as May. Typhoons are accompanied by high tides, high waves, andheavy rain, and they can cause big disasters like shore, housing, or road disasters, aswell as landslides and floods. They bring dangers like strong winds that sometimes
create flying debris and take down signboards and tree limbs, and cars can beoverturned.
Since the typhoons that come to Okinawa are often slow moving and frequently
remain in the area for an extended period of time, you must be careful.
1-2. Preparing for typhoons
1) You can check a typhoon’s subsequent movements and the storm zone on theInternet and television.
2) When a typhoon hits or passes nearby, the power supply might be cut off due toflying debris damaging or cutting electric lines. In addition, water or gas service
might sometimes be cut off. To prepare for such situations, it will be useful if you
prepare the following:a) A flashlightb) A portable radioc) Extra batteriesd) A fully charged cellphone and personal computere) A one- or two-day supply of food and drinking waterf) Water for daily use (keep some water in the bathtub)
3) Because of strong, wind-driven rain, water might come in through windowsills. In
such a case, you might stop it by putting newspaper in the windowsills.
4) If a window has a ventilation opening, water might get in through it. In that case, you
might make it better if you make sure it is completely shut.
1-3. When a typhoon approaches
1) Since the rain and wind are very strong, please try to avoid going out at all if possible.
The seashore is especially dangerous because of high waves. You need to be very
cautious and stay away from the ocean.
2) Check for warnings on television, the radio, or the Internet.
a) Check whether a storm warning or a special warning (heavy rain special warning,storm special warning, high tide special warning, or surge special warning) has
been issued or not.
If one has been issued, classes will be canceled. (→cf. Reference data 2)b) Also check whether public transportation is operating or not. If bus service iscanceled, universities, public institutions like city and town offices, and hospital
outpatient reception counters will be closed (except emergency centers).
c) Check whether an evacuation order has been issued or not in the area where youare.
The way to check for evacuation orders is different in different areas. You will be able to4check for them on individual municipal homepages or through area electronic alerts.
Municipal homepages:
Okinawa Disaster Prevention Information Portal Haisai Bosai Deebiru All Okinawa:“Okinawa Prefecture disaster prevention weather report” http://www.bousai.okinawa.jp/
English, Chinese (Chinese traditional, simplified Chinese characters), and Korean
versions are available: http://www.bousai.okinawa.jp/
In addition, the Meteorological Agency provides the following site.
The Meteorological Agency Multilingual Dictionary of Urgent Earthquake Breaking
News, Tsunami Warnings (English, Chinese (Chinese traditional, simplified Chinesecharacters), Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and easy Japanese)
http://www.data.jma.go.jp/svd/eqev/data/tagengo/tagengo.html

Area electronic alert (→cf. 5. Area electronic alert)
NTT Docomo: https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/service/safety/areamail/Softbank:
au:

http://www.softbank.jp/mobile/service/urgent_news/about/disaster_info/
http://www.au.kddi.com/mobile/anti-disaster/kinkyu-sokkuho/

1-4. Danger of a storm surge
When a typhoon approaches, due to atmospheric conditions or strong wind, ocean
water might come over dikes and flood roads and houses. If you live or work near theocean, be alert to storm surge emergency warnings, storm surge warnings and storm
surge advisories. Since rivers can also overflow their banks due to high tides, you must
be careful not to go too close to the ocean or rivers.
1-5. A Warning or an advisory when a typhoon comes
When a typhoon comes, a warning or an advisory might be issued. Be on the lookout
for them. An emergency warning means there is serious danger, such as a once inseveral decades event. A warning means there is a strong possibility of a serious
disaster. On the other hand, an advisory means there is the possibility of a disaster.
Emergency Heavy rain emergency warning

Storm emergency warning

warnings

Storm surge emergency warning

High-wave emergency warning

Warnings

Heavy rain warning

Flood warning

Storm warning

Flood advisory

Strong wind advisory

Storm surge warning
Advisories

Heavy rain advisory
Storm surge advisory

OthersRecord time heavy rain information ※1
Earth or sand disaster warning information ※2※1 Record time heavy rain information is a disaster prevention report that will be broadcast whena heavy rain warning is issued. It means the amount of rainfall has reached a level capable of5creating a disaster in the area issued.
※2 Earth or sand disaster warning information is a disaster prevention report that will bebroadcast when a dangerous level of ground saturation has been reached capable of causing
cave-ins or landslides.

2. Earthquakes
2-1. About earthquakes
The Japanese Islands, located along the boundaries of numerous tectonic plates,
have had a lot of big earthquakes in the past. As the illustrations that follow show, on the
Pacific side of Japan, plates like the Pacific Plate and the Philippine Plate are sinking
under Japan and are scraping against the plates (the North American Plate and theEurasian Plate) upon which Japan rests. The edges of the top plates, which are being
pulled down, gradually store up energy, and when it becomes too great, they will springback upward. At this moment, an earthquake occurs.
You might hear that there are no earthquakes in Okinawa. One registering 5.0 struck
the Okinawa mainland in 1911 because of an earthquake that occurred in Kikai-jima, andafter that there was one registering 5.0 that struck the Okinawa mainland in 2010.
Therefore, there is no scientific reason to believe that there will not be another strong
earthquake here.
To the east of the Okinawan islands, the Philippine Sea Plate is sinking below theEurasian Plate, upon which the Okinawan islands are located. In such a location, there isa possibility that a strong trench type earthquake will occur, and in that case, a giant
tsunami wave will likely be generated. It might occur at the boundary of the Philippine
Sea Plate, which is located under the Okinawa
mainland or on the land side of the Eurasian Plate.

NPO Disaster Damage Prevention NPO Miraikai
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~miraikai/nihonnopureito.htm
A partially modified illustration of the plates near the Japan Islands

Professor Mamoru Nakamura, from the science department of the University of the
Ryukyus, pointed out that if a big earthquake occurs in Okinawa, since theearthquake-resistant standards in Okinawa Prefecture are the lowest in Japan, severe
damage will result for buildings built on pilings without quakeproofing and buildings thatwere built before 1981. (If an Earthquake Occurs in Okinawa:
http://seis.sci.u-ryukyu.ac.jp/hazard/large-eq/higaiyosoku.html)
6

2-2. The size of an earthquake: magnitude and seismic intensity
Magnitude indicates the amount of an earthquake‘s energy, while seismic intensity
indicates the amount of shaking in each place. The equivalence chart between seismic
intensity, which is announced by the Japanese Meteorological Agency, and the level ofshaking that people feel is as follows:

http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/kishou/know/shindo/shindokai.html
From seismic intensity and shaking circumstances (outline)7

2-3. Preparing for earthquakes
An earthquake may occur suddenly someday. In order to be able to act calmly at thattime, please prepare for it.
1) To prevent furniture or electrical appliances from falling on you when you are sleeping,keep them in safe places (put them as close to the floor as you can). Also, do not put
things that might block your escape near entrances.
Check!!
☑ Check!
① Is furniture secured so it will not fall down?
② Will glasses and dishes be prevented from falling and shattering?
③ Are electrical appliances (e.g., computer) secured to not fall?
④ Are entrances free from possible obstructions?

※You can buy adhesive rubber pads that are a tip-over safety device for furniture andshatter-resistant film for glass at a home center.

From Ginowan City handbook for times of emergency
http://www.city.ginowan.okinawa.jp/DAT/LIB/WEB/1/bousaitetyou_tuujyou.pdf

2) Prepare a hijo bukuro, an emergency bag.
In order to evacuate immediately, keep these necessities in a travel bag.
① a flashlight⑦ a pair of gloves (cotton work gloves)② batteries (for replacement)⑧ a helmet③ a portable radio⑨ a packet of wet tissues④ a cloth⑩ a plastic bag⑤ a towel⑪ cash (small bills and change)⑥ a mask※Since hijou bukuro, emergency bags, are available at home centers in Okinawa, it
would be a good idea to buy one.
3) Prepare emergency supplies. A standard amount is for about three days.
① drinking water② food like biscuits that can keep for a long time and be eaten without cooking③ powdered milk and disposable diapers if you have a baby84) Electricity might be cut off due to an earthquake. To prepare for a nighttime
earthquake, keep a flashlight, extra batteries, and a radio near your bedside. In
addition, make sure your cellphone, smartphone, tablet, or personal computer ischarged.
5) Because of a falling cupboard and breaking glass, pieces of glass might be scatteredinside the house. To prevent injury to your feet, keep a pair of slippers or shoes by
your bedside.
6) Plan how to contact your family in emergency.
There are some emergency contact service sites like NTT Saigai Dengon Dial 171(disaster message dial 171) and cellphone Saigai-yo Dengon-ban (message board fordisasters). Please check how to use them.
2-4. When an earthquake occurs
1) If you are inside a building (at home, in an office,a classroom, etc.), furniture, appliances,
bookshelves, or cabinets might topple over. Thereis also a danger that books on bookshelves ordishes in cupboards might fall. Hide under a table
or a desk and wait until the quaking stops.
2) If you are using gas, turn it off if possible!
※A spilled pot might severely injure you. As it is very dangerous, if a quake is strong,
move away from the stove quickly, and turn off the gas when the quake has stopped.
3) If you are in a supermarketa) Shelves might topple over or goods might be falling from the shelves. Cover yourhead with a bag or something, and move away from the shelves immediately.
b) Follow the instructions of the person in charge.
4) If you are inside an elevatora) Newer elevators have an earthquake sensor and will stop automatically near a floor.
Stay calm and get off the elevator on that floor. If the elevator does not have an
earthquake sensor, push all the floor buttons and get off wherever it stops.
b) If you are stuck inside an elevator, push the emergency button, the hijou-yo
yobidashi button, to contact help and follow the instructions of the person in
charge.
5) If you are outside (on campus or in town)a) If you are walking near a building, it is possible that glass
windows, signs, walls, or outdoor air conditioner units will fall.
Protect your head with a bag or something and move away fromthe building.
b) Since a concrete block wall might fall, move away immediately.
6) If you are driving a car, no sudden braking!
Slow down gradually, stop your car along the left shoulder of the road, and stop theengine.
7) If you are on a bus or the monoraila) If you are sitting on a seat, lean forward and protect your head with a bag orsomething if possible.
9b) If you are standing, hold on to a handrail or a strap tightly.
c) Follow the instructions of the person in charge.

2-5. When an earthquake stops → When you need to evacuate1) If you are inside a building (at home, in an office, a classroom, etc.)a) Make sure all flames, such as stove burners, are extinguished.
b) Wear shoes.
c) Confirm emergency information on the television or radio.
Okinawa Prefecture disaster damage prevention information and weather accessfrom cellphones/smartphones: http://www.bousai.okinawa.jp/sp/↓If you have to evacuate … do not evacuate by car!
d) Evacuate with an emergency bag. Do not forget your passport, residency card, andstudent ID.
e) In order to prevent fires, close the gas main tap and shut down the electricity circuit
breaker.
2) If you are near the ocean
A tsunami might hit you; leave the area immediately and evacuate to high ground or ahigh building.
(→See 3. Tsunami in detail)Caution: On Miyako Island and Ishigaki Island, there are signs that a tsunami rose 40
meters above sea level, so you have to evacuate high enough from the ocean level.
3) If you are driving a car … do not evacuate by car!
Confirm emergency information with the car radio.
Okinawa prefecture disaster damage prevention information and weather access from
cellphones/smartphones: http://www.bousai.okinawa.jp/sp/↓If you have to evacuate:a) Leave the car without locking the door and leave the engine key in the car.
b) Remember to bring all important things with you.
c) Evacuate carefully so as not to be hit by another car.

2-6. If a fire occurs because of an earthquake
Even if a fire starts, if there are no synthetic materials
around to burn, it might not spread rapidly, so be calm and try
to put the fire out with a fire extinguisher or water.
1) In a loud voice, let the neighbors know about the fire.
2) Attempt to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher or water
before the fire reaches the ceiling.
3) If the fire reaches the ceiling, get out and call 119.

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2-7. Earthquake early warnings
The Earthquake Early Warning system provides an advance announcement of
estimated seismic intensities just after an earthquake occurs. These are not earthquake
predictions! Since August 30, 2013, an earthquake early warning for a quake stronger
than a weak 5 has become “an early emergency warning.”
Earthquake scaleType of warning

Type of prompt

More than 6-weakEmergency warning

Urgent earthquake prompt

More than 5-weakWarning(Warning)

More than 3 or magnitude Forecast

Urgent earthquake promptof 3.5(Forecast)

From Meteorological Agency emergency warning announcement standards:
http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/kishou/know/tokubetsu-keiho/kizyun.html

The above information will be available in the following ways:a) On a cellphone
NTT docomo, Softbank, and au distribute earthquake early warnings. Make surewhether your cellphone can receive them or not. Check how to set yours up forreceiving them.
NTT docomo

https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/service/safety/areamail/earthquake_warning

Softbank

http://www.softbank.jp/mobile/service/urgent_news/about/disaster_info/

au

http://www.au.kddi.com/mobile/anti-disaster/kinkyu-sokuho/b) From TV or radio
First, you will hear the sound of a chime, and a visual and oral broadcast. As
commercial radio and TV stations use the same chime sound as NHK uses, try tolearn the NHK chime sound to recognize the warning sound immediately.
NHK chime soundhttp://www.nhk.or.jp/sonae/bousai/c) From disaster prevention administration radio
After October 1st, 2007, disaster prevention administration radio using the all Japan
instant warning system, J-ALERT, is provided in municipalities. Check whether thissystem is provided in your town.
※For more information about Earthquake Early Warnings, see the following home pages.
The Meteorological Agency, Earthquake Early Warnings
http://www.data.jma.go.jp/svd/eew/data/nc/koudou/koudou.html

11

3. Tsunami
3-1. About tsunami
When an earthquake occurs on the ocean floor, the movement of the ocean floor
can produce a tsunami. A tsunami that is created like this can come as fast as a jet
across the deep ocean. Even near shore, a tsunami that has reached shore cansometimes travel faster than 36 km/h
(10m/sec.).

Excerpt from: Asahi Gakusei Shimbunsha
Junior Asahi—Japan Is an Earthquake
Country
For information about the propagation velocity oftsunami and ocean depth, visit this website:

http://www.asagaku.com/kokoku/jishin_tsunami/nihonwajisintaikoku.html

As a tsunami reaches shallow water and hits land, its height will increase to an
altitude of 2-3 times the height observed off the coast. For example, a 5-meter hightsunami offshore can rise to 10 meters high when it reaches land. The relationshipbetween the height of a tsunami and the damage caused is explained below:
The height of a tsunami and damage:Height of
Estimated damage and recommended action
tsunamiSwimmers will be carried out to sea, aquaculture fixtures will be
0.2m~1m
carried away, and small ships will be capsized.
→ Get out of water immediately and leave the seacoast.
There is danger of flood damage in low-lying areas. Anyone near thesea in a place without a breakwater will be dragged into the ocean.
1m~3m→Anyone on the seacoast or near a river should evacuate to a safe
place like high ground or an evacuation area immediately.
Wooden houses will be totally destroyed and washed away. People
will be washed away in the tsunami surge.
3m~→Anyone on the seacoast or near a river should evacuate to a safe
place like high ground or an evacuation area immediately.
From Meteorological Agency tsunami warning advisory * tsunami information * tsunami prediction:
http://www.data.jma.go.jp/svd/eqev/data/joho/tsunamiinfo.html

12

3-1-1. Features of tsunami
1) Tsunami can strike repeatedly. (There is a threat of additional waves for a few hours
after the first tsunami arrives.)
2) The first wave is not always the biggest one.
3) A tsunami does not always start with a backwash.
4) Even just a knee-high tsunami can easily carry people away.
5) When the tsunami has a backwash, it has a strong current dragging things offshore.
6) A tsunami can reach far inland, not necessarily across land but rather up rivers or
waterways.
7) The projected arrival time and height of a tsunami are different based on its birthplace
and the size of the earthquake.

Waveform of a tsumami on GPS offshore south of Iwate Prefecture on March 11, 2011
(Extract from documents by Harbor and Airport Technical Research Institute)
After the first wave arrived, tsunami repeatedly struck within a cycle of 50 minutes. It was actually
six hours after the first wave arrived that the tsunami died down.

3-2. Tsunami prediction
If an earthquake occurs and a tsunami is forecast, within three minutes after theearthquake, the Meteorological Agency will announce a tsunami prediction with awarning or alarm, announcing the tsunami’s predicted arrival time and strength. In thecase of a huge earthquake such as over magnitude 8, it is not possible to announce withhigh precision the magnitude of the earthquake immediately. Therefore, theannouncement of its magnitude will be made in two steps. Its height will be announced
as kyodai, huge, or takai, high; after that, numbers will be announced. In a very
hazardous situation, such as a once-every-few-decades event, tokubetsu keiho, anemergency warning, will be issued.

13

Types of tsunami warnings and advisories
Report criterion

Description

Issued byof hugenumbers

earthquake
Major tsunami warning

More than 3-meter-highHuge

5m, 10m,(Emergency warning)tsunami(kyodai)more than
10m

Tsunami warning

More than 1m but less than High(takai)3m
Tsunami advisory

3m

More than 0.2m but less (none)

1m

than 1m with a possibility oftsunami damage
From Meteorological Agency tsunami warning advisory * tsunami information * tsunami prediction:
http://www.data.jma.go.jp/svd/eqev/data/joho/tsunamiinfo.html

3-3. Saving lives by evacuation

Before the disaster

After the disaster

Damage caused in the East Japan Disaster on March 11, 2011
(Minami Sanriku-cho, Miyagi Prefecture, Google Earth pictures; the red lines show 5 meters above sea
level) From the coastline to 3km inland and over 20m altitude, all man-made structures were washed awayby the tsunami.

Comparing these two pictures, you can see that most of the buildings in the area
under 20 meters above sea level were destroyed by the tsunami. The best way to protect
your life is to evacuate to high ground. Northeast Japan has been hit by a big tsunamithat reached over 40 meters above sea level a few times in the past.
The Okinawa area has suffered big earthquakes in the past. A clear record remainsof the damage caused by the Showa Major Tsunami in 1771; about ten thousand people
lost their lives. It was reported that the tsunami at that time reached 40 meters high. That14

is to say, the highest-level tsunami in the world has occurred in Okinawa.
There is a lot of evidence that shows there were major tsunamis in Okinawa in thepast. One piece is the picture below. Many of the rocks that dot the picture are calledtsunami ishi (tsunami boulders), or tsunami rocks. It is estimated that coral rocks fromthe sea on the left of the picture were moved over the land and into the sea on the rightside. As the height of the land is 15 meters above sea level, it means that rocks weighing
more than dozens of tons were thrown as high as the roof of a five-story building. This
tells the fearsome power of a tsunami.
Tsunami-stones that are scattered in Higashi
Hennasaki on Miyako Island(It is believed that a tsunami carried the rocks fromthe sea to the left across the land to the sea on theright. You can judge the size of the rocks comparedto the height of the people in the photo. The landheight is 15 meters above sea level.)

3-4. Confirm an evacuation route

An example of confirming an evacuation route using the disaster reduction map that has height
above sea level and addresses. (From the super disaster reduction map by Prof. Nakaza,
University of the Ryukyus and the Life Map Company cooperative project)
15

After the East Japan Disaster, each area in Okinawa has indicated its altitude above
sea level. Checking the altitude of the area in which you live is recommended. It isabsolutely necessary to know the altitude above sea level in advance in order toevacuate precisely. (→It is possible to check the altitude above sea level by yourself. To
know how to check sea level altitude, refer to 3-5, preliminary information to prepare fora tsunami, 3) Mapion map and all-Okinawa elevation map.) The map above is an
example of a disaster reduction map, which shows altitude above sea level in different
colors. It is very important to check in advance the route by which you can evacuate
immediately by using such a disaster reduction map.
During the Sumatra offshore earthquake tsunami in 2004 and the Samoa offshore
earthquake tsunami in 2009, so many people lost their lives because they tried toescape too late. In the East Japan Earthquake tsunami, there was a sharp difference
between those people who had drilled their evacuation route and escaped successfully
and those who didn’t. Being able to evacuate successfully is the primary concern, andfor that purpose, it is very important to check in advance.
In an evacuation, evacuating to a high place more than 40 meters above sea level isthe best way, but if there is no place high enough to which you can evacuate, finding ahigh building is your next best option. Nevertheless, some buildings are built on pilings,
and they are weak against earthquakes because some do not have an aseismic
structure. It is necessary to check these points in advance.
3-5. Preliminary information to prepare for a tsunami
1) Confirm whether the town where you live is in a tsunami danger area or not.
Okinawa prefecture tsunami flood estimation (March 2017)・Tsunami flood estimation
map
http://www.pref.okinawa.lg.jp/site/doboku/kaibo/h27tunami/h27tunami_b.html

2) Check evacuation places in the town where you live now on its homepage.
※For example, the mark to the right indicates an evacuation site in Ginowan City.
(From Notebook on Disaster Damage Prevention on Ginowan City’s homepage
http://www.city.ginowan.okinawa.jp/DAT/LIB/WEB/1/bousaitetyou_tuujyou.pdf ).

3) Check the height above sea level of the area where you live.
Sites where you can check height above sea level are:
Mapion map (after the destination map appears, right click the mouse):
http://www.mapion.co.jp

Okinawa Prefectural Police All-Okinawa elevation map
http://www.police.pref.okinawa.jp/docs/2015042100012/※The Okinawa Prefecture Earthquake and Tsunami Assumption Consideration Committee,
which was inaugurated after the East Japan Disaster, set the lowest tsunami flood line at fivemeters above sea level. Incidentally, the area around the University of the Ryukyus’ Senbaru
16

campus is located 126 meters above sea level, and the area around the Nishihara Town office
is five meters above sea level.
※After the East Japan Disaster, height above sea level indicators have set up at publicbuildings or on electric poles, as shown, as a tsunami protection measure. Check for themwhen you go out. For example, Nakagusuku Village set up noticeboards like below.

Less than 5m is indicated in red, from 6-19m in yellow,
and over 20m in blue.
From Nakagusuku Village homepage. Emergency disaster sea-level posters
displayed
http://www.vill.nakagusuku.okinawa.jp/menuIndex.jsp?id=53415&menuid=11674&funcid=28

3-6. When a tsunami occurs: If a big earthquake occurs outside of Okinawa
If a big earthquake occurs outside of Okinawa, including overseas, and a tsunami
arises, the Meteorological Agency will issue a tsunami warning or a tsunami advisory, so
make sure that you check the estimated arrival time of the tsunami and its estimatedheight. Along with this warning or advisory, cities, towns, or villages may issue their own
evacuation warning or advisory. If a warning to evacuate is issued for the area in which
you live, follow their advice.
If the earthquake that caused the advisory is outside of the prefecture, it will taketime for the tsunami to arrive here, so take action calmly.
The difference between an evacuation warning and an evacuation advisory
Classification

Binding

Information to

Depending on how things develop, either an

prepare for

evacuation advisory or an evacuation warning

evacuation

may be forthcoming, so this is to warn people to
weakstart preparing for evacuation.

Evacuation

This recommends and urges that residents

advisory

evacuate. (It does not force them to evacuate.)

Evacuation

When the danger of damage becomes critical,

warningstrongthis will be issued. It is more binding than anevacuation advisory, but residents who do notobey the order will not be legally punished.

From Shimonoseki City Fire Brigade: http://www.svfc.jp/blog110907150222.html

3-7. When a tsunami occurs: If a big earthquake occurs in Okinawa
According to the strength of possible earthquakes under the ocean near Okinawa,
the Okinawa Prefecture Shore Disaster Prevention Department has made predictions
about how big a tsunami will come and has made this information available to the public.
How long it will take from the time the earthquake occurs until a tsunami arrives onshore17

in Okinawa is predicted. Check the tsunami flood estimation map given below, and know
approximately how many minutes it will take for a tsunami to arrive where you live or
where you often go after a tsunami occurs, and also how big it might be. (※Caution: Thisis only a guide.)
Okinawa Prefecture tsunami flood estimation (March 2017)・Tsunami flood estimation
map
http://www.pref.okinawa.lg.jp/site/doboku/kaibo/h27tunami/h27tunami_b.html

1) If you are near the coast:
As soon as the earthquake stops, leave the coast immediately without waiting for anearthquake warning or advisory. Evacuate to high enough ground or a high building as
far as possible away from the water.
2) If you are away from the coast but in a low place:
Since tsunami waves are very long, even if you are away from the ocean, it is not safeenough. For example, in the case of the East Japan Earthquake, there were places
where the tsunami went six kilometers over land and 12 kilometers in places along ariver. If you are in a low place, five meters above sea level or less, go as far as
possible away and evacuate to high ground or a high building.
※In Urasoe City, look for signs that show a “tsunami evacuation building.” Before the East Japan
Earthquake occurred, a good evacuation building was considered to be higher than three stories,
but after the disaster, a five-story one is now considered suitable.
From Urasoe City Industrial Promotion Center Yuinomachi
homepage: Tsunami Evacuation building signs posted
http://yuinomachi.jp/?p=15125

3) If you are somewhere other than the places mentioned above:
Five meters above sea level is the minimum safe level that the Okinawa Prefecture
Earthquake and Tsunami Assumption Examination Committee has set for tsunami
flooding. If an occasion arises to do so, the Meteorological Agency will issue atsunami warning or advisory within three minutes after an earthquake occurs. If you
feel a big earthquake, check for information on the radio or TV immediately. If awarning has been issued for where you are, evacuate immediately.

18

4.Tornadoes
4-1. About tornadoes
A tornado is a violent spiral storm that is generated from adeveloped cumulonimbus cloud and accompanied by afunnel-shaped or column-shaped cloud. In a short time, it candamage an area from several tens to several hundreds of meters
wide and several kilometers long, with concentration.
Although tornadoes can be generated anywhere in Japan,
past confirmed production data show that most tornados haveoccurred along coasts in September.
From “Varieties of main gusts” by the Meteorological Agency
From http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/kishou/know/toppuu/tornado1-1.html

4-2. If a tornado occurs
When a tornado is approaching, these features are seen:
1) A funnel-shaped cloud extends from the bottom of a cloud to the ground.
2) Objects fly up into the air in the funnel.
3) A rumbling sound is heard.
4) There is unusual pressure in the ears because of changing air pressure.
If this happens, take action to protect yourself.
1. If you are outside:a) Go behind a strong building, crouch behind something, and cover your head.
b) Since there is a danger of falling debris, stay away from telephone poles and trees.
c) As there is a danger of collapse, do not enter garages or sheds.
2. If you were inside:a) Shut windows and curtains, and stay away from windows (glass windows might
break).
b) If possible, move to a room that has no windows, and hide under a hard desk ortable.
The Meteorological Agency leaflet “Protect yourself from tornadoes”:
http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/kishou/books/tatsumaki/index.html

4-3. Tornado warning information
When there is severe weather that is likely to generate a tornado, the Meteorological
Agency will announce tornado warning information. In addition to tornado warnings,
warnings will be given for down bursts, intense gusts of descending air flowing downfrom a cumulonimbus cloud to the earth’s surface, and gust fronts, gusts made by the
movement of cold air under a cumulonimbus cloud to warmer air. After such a warning,you need to be alert for the next hour.
195. Area electronic alert
5-1. What is an area electronic alert?
An area electronic alert sends an early earthquake warning or tsunami warning thathas been announced by the Japan Meteorological Agency, or disaster information or
evacuation information from Japanese or local public authorities, to users in a specificarea free of charge on their cellphone. Since it is not affected by congestion on the line,
you will be able to receive urgent information promptly.
This is limited to inside Japan. Subscription is not required, but some models require
set-up in advance. See the appropriate homepage to check whether your mobile phone
is ready to receive area electronic alerts or not.
NTT docomo

https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/service/safety/areamail/Softbank

http://www.softbank.jp/mobile/service/urgent_news/about/disaster_info/

au

http://www.au.kddi.com/mobile/anti-disaster/kinkyu-sokuho/

5-2. Electronic-alert messages
The following is an example of an area electronic-alert message from NTT docomo.
When a phone receives an urgent message, you will hear a dedicated ringtone, and anearthquake early warning, a tsunami warning, or disaster evacuation information will pop
up on the screen; after that, they will be saved in your “received messages” box.
Whether you hear a ringtone or not while your phone is in “manners” mode or in “normal”
mode depends on the model you have. Please check for information on your mobile
phone through your service provider’s homepage.

From https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/service/safety/areamail/disaster_evacuation/

20

6.Other dangers
There are other things that you have to be careful about when you live in Okinawa
besides natural disasters.
6-1. Beware of habu snakes
There are deadly poisonous snakes in Okinawa. They are called habu. Habu snakes
live in the woods and the grass. Since they are nocturnal in their habits, they startmoving after it gets dark. They will be especially active in high humidity and on warm
nights. During the winter, they move slowly, but they do not hibernate.
Be careful, even in the daytime, for they might be in shady places like in the grass, ina tree, or in the woods.
6-1-1. How to distinguish habu snakes
The head and body of habu snakes are covered with fine scales while other kinds ofsnakes are covered with big scales. They can also become very long, sometimes morethan two meters.

Okinawa Prefecture * Medical Hygiene * Sanitary Environment Research Institute: How to distinguish a habu snake:http://www.pref.okinawa.lg.jp/site/hoken/eiken/eisei/habumiwakekata.html

6-1-2. In order to not be bitten by a habu snake
1) If you see a habu snake, dial 110, and let them catch it.
※Never try to catch it yourself.
2) Avoid areas with tall grass.
6-1-3. Habu snakes’ nature
1) Habu snakes cannot jump. If you are more than 1.5 meters away from a habu, it will
not attack you.
2) Habu do not chase humans.
6-1-4. If you are bitten by a habu snake
1) Keep calm and make sure whether it is a habu or not. If it is a habu, there are usually
two fang marks, and it will become swollen in less than five minutes and be very
painful.

212) If it is a habu, yell for help, and ask someone to take you to a hospital, or dial 119 for
an ambulance. (In Japan ambulances are free of charge.)※If you run, the poison can take effect more quickly, so walk slowly. Even if a few
hours have passed after you were bitten, anti-venom serum can work.
※If you go to a hospital, call the hospital before you arrive to make sure whether
they have anti-venom serum or not. (→see reference data 1)3) Suck out the poison with blood from the wound.
※There is a special aspirator for this. If you don’t have one, suck with your mouth.
Even if you have a cut inside your mouth or if you swallow the poison, it will beharmless.
4) Lightly tie a tourniquet between the bite and your heart. If you tie it too tightly, you
might lose a limb. Every fifteen minutes, briefly loosen the tourniquet.
5) Do not take medication to relieve pain and do not drink alcohol.
6-2. Dangerous land organisms
There are dangerous organisms besides habu in Okinawa.
6-2-1. Agate snail (Africa maimai)
The agate snail is a snail that was brought to Okinawa from a foreign country in the1930. Its shell’s height reaches more than15 cm. It is an intermediary host for a parasitethat is called the Kwangtung blood fluke, and if you are infected through the mouth, itcauses a brain disorder, so never touch it.
6-2-2. Orvasca Taiwana (Taiwan Kidoku-ga)
The Orvasca Taiwana larva has many invisible hairs called
nettling hairs, and it causes dermatitis if you touch the hair. The
larva are usually born from April to June in an average year.
1) A symptoms and emergency measures
Symptoms such as itching or red blisters appear, but there are individual differences.
If you scratch, the symptoms will spread, so do not scratch. First,
you should apply and remove adhesive tape on the itchy area toremove stinging hairs. Then, wash the skin with soap and apply
antihistamine ointment. Visiting a dermatologist is recommended
if severe itching, red swelling, or sores develop.
2) Preventiona) Do not touch the larva.
b) As stinging hairs might be spread by the wind and fall to the ground, after you touchor sit on the ground, you should wash your hands with soap.
※The photograph was copied from the following site:
Wikipedia ‘Agate snail’
22https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%82%A2%E3%83%95%E3%83%AA%E3%82%AB%E3%83%9E%E3%82%A4%E3%83%9E%E3%82%A4

Okinawa Prefecture Home Page ‘Beware of orvasca taiwana’
http://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/hoken/eiken/eisei/taiwankidokuga.html

6-3. Beware of dangerous marine organisms
In the ocean around Okinawa, there are poisonous creatures. Be cautious while
playing along the coast and doing marine sports. Notable marine organisms are
introduced here.

6-3-1. Habu jellyfish
A habu jellyfish’s umbrella size is about 10cm to 14cm, and its tentacles are about
1.5m in length. They are found at beaches, seaside swimming areas, and fishing ports.
Since its umbrella part is semitransparent and hard to see in the water, it is better toswim at a beach that has a safeguard net for habu jellyfish. Do not touch safeguard nets
or buoys. Sometimes there are tentacles attached to them.
If you are stabbed by a habu jellyfish:
1) Pour table vinegar over the wound. (Do not rub it.)
2) Remove the tentacle.
3) Cover the wound with a towel that is soaked in table vinegar andthen pour vinegar over the towel.
4) Keep the wound cool with ice or cold water and go to a hospital.
6-3-2. Crown of thorns
Crown of thorns are huge starfish that are 15cm to 60cm long.
Their whole body is covered with poisonous spines. They live on
reefs or coral reefs from 1m to 10m deep.
If you are stabbed by a crown of thorns,
1) Pull the spine out straight. (Since it is easy to break, be careful not to leave part ofthe spine behind in the skin.)2) Soak affected spot in 40 to 45 degree hot water for 30 to 60 minutes. →The pain willease.
※If the condition is serious, go to a hospital.
6-3-3. Anboina snails
The Anboina snail is a Conidae, or cone snail, that is nocturnal in its
habits. It is 10 to 13cm in size and inhabits shallow coral reefs and rocks
in the sea. Since it has poisonous arrows to paralyze its prey, people
gathering shellfish might become a victim because of lack of knowledge.
If you are stung,1) Squeeze the poison out of a wound. (Do not suck it out with your mouth.)232) In order to prevent the poison from spreading, tie the bite tightly.
3) Go to a hospital immediately.
6-3-4. Sea snakes
There are eight kinds of poisonous sea snakes in Okinawa. Even though they do notattack swimmers aggressively, they have a poison that is 10 to 20 times as strong as
habu snake poison, so do not to try to catch them or disturb them.
If you are bitten:
1) Squeeze the poison out of the wound.
2) In order to prevent the poison from spreading, tie the bite tightly.
3) Go to a hospital immediately.
6-3-5. Other dangerous marine organisms
In addition to the above, there are dangerous creatures and fish that do not havepoison but will attack humans. Be careful when you play in the ocean or do marine
sports.
1) Poisonous creatures, non-fish:
Long-spined sea urchinlives in coral reefs.

Flower sea urchinlives in the rocks ofcoral reefs.

Mirebora coral
lives near coral reefs at a depth of 30cm.

Unbachi sea anemone
lives at a depth of about 20cm inside reefs.

Iramo (a type of jellyfish)
lives near coral reefs and shallow shore reefs and swims in the sea.
Portuguese man-of-war (also known as denki kurage)
lives in the ocean but is driven ashore to beaches and coves by wind
and waves.
Rubus fritillary octopus
lives in tidal pools, shallow shore reefs, or in gravel.

242) Poisonous fish with fins:
Demon daruma stinger
lives in shallow coral reefs or shore reefs.

Euscaphis japonica

Lion fish

Stingray
lives near shallow, sandy beaches, muddy seabeds
3) Fish that attack humans:

Needlefish (When startled by a light at night, will sometimes attack and bite
humans.)Shark (Many tiger sharks are seen near Okinawa.)

Pictures are copied from the following sites:
Amami Ocean Exhibition Hall – Dangerous Ocean Creatures: http://www.michinoshima.jp/node/29
Outdoor Hobby Information Site – Dangerous Creatures Information (Poisonous Creatures/Deadly
Creatures): http://outdoor.ymnext.com/topnavi-01.html
Nakijin Beach Nature School – Dangerous Ocean Creatures in Okinawa:
http://www.umibe-nature.com/040108ka.htm

Illustrated Guide to Fish and Shells by Bouz Konyaku: http://www.zukan-bouz.com/fish/datu/datu.html
Wikipedia.org - Amboinagai https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/アンボイナガイ

6-4. Beware of heatstroke
Heatstroke is a disorder that occurs when you lose the balance between your body
water and salt, and your body loses the ability to regulate heat; it sometimes leads todeath. As heatstroke is especially common between the end of the rainy season and theend of September in Okinawa, beware.

25

6-4-1. Conditions that lead to heatstroke
1) When the temperature and humidity are high.
2) When there is little wind and strong sunshine.
3) When there is a lot of reflected heat.
4) When you quickly become overheated.
6-4-2. Heatstroke symptoms
1) High body temperature2) Dry skin (heat exhaustion, a precursor to heatstroke, includes profuse sweating)3) Headache
4) Throbbing head pain
5) Dizziness6) Nausea
7) Mental confusion
6-4-3. In order to avoid heatstroke
1) If you are insidea) Drink water and eat enough salt. Alcohol doesn’t count as a liquid!
b) Block direct sunlight with a curtain.
c) Open a window for ventilation or use a fan or an air conditioner.
※Set the air conditioner at around 26 degrees.
d) Wear clothes that are highly hygroscopic (that breathe).
2) If you are outsidea) Drink water and eat sufficient salt.
※Alcohol doesn’t count as a liquid!
b) Use a parasol or wear a hat.
c) Do not exercise or work under the blazing sun for a long time. When you work, pitcha tent or do something to create shade, and also take a rest occasionally.
d) Wear clothes that are highly hygroscopic (that breathe).
※Avoid black clothes because black absorbs solar heat.
6-4-4. If heatstroke is suspected
If you think someone near you has heatstroke, do the following:
1) Dial 119 and ask for an ambulance. (In Japan ambulances are fee.)2) Move the person to a cool place like in the shade of a tree or a room with an air
conditioner.
3) Cool the body (by pouring water over the skin, fanning, or putting an ice bag on theneck, under the armpit, or in the crotch area).
4) If the person can drink, give them cold water to drink.
※If the person has been sweating a lot, a sport drink is effective.

26

7. Emergency contacts
When a big disaster occurs, not only gas and water but also telephone service often
stops. Cellphones and mail cannot be used. When the East Japan Disaster struck in
March 2011, because of a power breakdown, not only the Internet but also both fixed-line
phones and cellphones couldn’t be used for a few days to one week.
7-1. Beware of emergencies
1) If a big disaster occurs, the university will check your safety, mainly through e-mail or atext message. Register your mail address or cellphone address with the office if
possible, so we will be able to contact you. If you change your mail address, inform us
promptly.
2) If you are living with your family, discuss how you will reach each other in case of adisaster. (For example, decide on a meeting place, etc.)7-2. In case of a big disaster1) The university will contact you to check on your safety.
2) If a big disaster occurs, because not only the campus but also the university staff will
suffer from the disaster, it is possibility that we cannot contact you immediately.
Contact the university yourself if you can.
3) Contact each other and check on each other’s safety.
4) The university will try to contact you through the university homepage. If you can use
the Internet, try to access the university homepage.
7-3. Things you should be careful of
When the East Japan Disaster occurred in March 2011, the Internet and chain mailspread untrue information to the effect that one country would send a charter jet to savepeople from their country, so come to the airport on such and such day. It confused many
people. It is common for such rumors to spread abroad in a disaster. In order to not be
confused by false rumors, get information from trusted sites (like the university
homepage, the Meteorological Agency homepage, the NHK homepage, or yourcountry’s governmental homepages).
7-4. How to make contact using a cellphone, a fixed-line phone, a smartphone, or atablet1) A bulletin board for disasters will be shown in the top menu on NTT docomo, au, andSoftbank phones; register your safety status there. Registered
Messages will be seen through other companies’ cellphones
and PHS.

NTT docomo
https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/info/disaster/disaster_board/27

au
http://www.au.kddi.com/mobile/anti-disaster/saigai-dengon/

Softbank iPhone, SoftBank smartphone, tablet
http://www.softbank.jp/mobile/service/dengon/boards/

2) When an earthquake registering 6-weak or more on the Japanese seismic scale occurs,
NTT will start a bulletin board for disaster service. Dial 177 to register or play messages.
Bulletin board for disaster (Web171) NTT West Japan provided from August 30, 2012
http://www.ntt-west.co.jp/dengon/web171/

28

8. Reference data and sites(Typhoons)
Sediment The Meteorological Agency: Disaster alert information
http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/kishou/know/bosai/doshakeikai.html

Meteorological Agency: Record short-time heavy rain information
http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/kishou/know/bosai/kirokuame.html(Earthquakes)
NPO Disaster Damage Prevention NPO Miraikai “Plates around the Japaneseislands”:
http://www5d.biglobe.ne.jp/~miraikai/nihonnopureito.htm

Asahi Gakusei Shimbunsha Junior Asahi “Japan is a major earthquake nation”:
http://www.asagaku.com/kokoku/jishin_tsunami/nihonwajisintaikoku.html

Are there few earthquakes in Okinawa? (Science Department, Dr.Mamoru
Nakamura’s laboratory homepage):
http://seis.sci.u-ryukyu.ac.jp/hazard/large-eq/okinawa_earthquake.html

Okinawa prediction map for the probability of seismic vibration (Science Department,
Dr. Mamoru Nakamura’s laboratory homepage):
http://seis.sci.u-ryukyu.ac.jp/hazard/hazard-eq/index.html

Editorial in the Ryukyu Shimpou (February 28, 2010): An earthquake off the Okinawa
mainland: It is necessary to be prepared for a state of emergency
http://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-158368-storytopic-11.html

Editorial in the Ryukyu Shimpou (February 28, 2010): An earthquake off the Okinawa
mainland: A comment by an informed person—It is a superstition that there are few
earthquakes http://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-158384-storytopic-1.html
Editorial in the Ryukyu Shimpou (February 28, 2010): An earthquake off the Okinawa
mainland: If an earthquake occurs….Manual of Earthquake Disaster Prevention:
http://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-158391-storytopic-1.html

Results of Okinawa Prefecture earthquake damage prediction research in 2013:
http://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/chijiko/bosai/h25jishinhigaisoutei.html

Manual on earthquake damage prevention by the Fire and Disaster Management
Agency: http://www.fdma.go.jp/bousai_manual/index.html
Foundation Institute for Fire Safety & Disaster Preparedness: “Have confidence
against an earthquake”
http://www.bousaihaku.com/cgi-bin/hp/index2.cgi?ac1=B107&ac2&ac3=3907&Pag
e=hpd2_view
Kouchi Prefecture General Affairs Department Crisis Management the Nankai TroughEarthquake Countermeasure Division: “Preparing for a Nankai Trough earthquake
and living through it,” revised.
http://www.pref.kochi.lg.jp/soshiki/010201/sonaetyoki-pumphlet.html
http://www.pref.kochi.lg.jp/soshiki/010201/files/2014012000352/sonaetyoki2017.pdf

Meteorological Agency Earthquake Early Warnings:
http://www.data.jma.go.jp/svd/eew/data/nc/koudou/koudou.html

NHK Ringtone: http://www.nhk.or.jp/sonae/bousai/
29NTT docomo Cellular Phone Buzzer Sound
https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/service/areamail/index.html

Urgent Earthquake Breaking News Signature Sound
http://www.real-time.jp/?page_id=465(Tsunami)
Urasoe City homepage: “Do you know about tsunami?”
http://www.city.urasoe.lg.jp/saigai/2014110100664/

The Meteorological Agency: “About tsunami warnings, advisories, tsunami
information, and tsunami forecasts”
http://www.data.jma.go.jp/svd/eqev/data/joho/tsunamiinfo.html

Prediction of tsunami height in case an earthquake occurs off Okinawa (Science
Department, Dr. Mamoru Nakamura’s laboratory homepage):
http://seis.sci.u-ryukyu.ac.jp/hazard/tsunami/index.htm

Okinawa Prefecture tsunami/flood damage prediction (March 2015) tsunami/flood
damage prediction map:
http://www.pref.okinawa.lg.jp/site/doboku/kaibo/h27tunami/h27tunami_b.html

Ryukyu Shimpou: “Make five meters above sea level the minimum floodlevel—Okinawa Prefecture Earthquake and Tsunami Assumption Examination
Committee” http://ryukyushimpo.jp/news/storyid-181597-storytopic-3.html
Mapion: The 47 prefectures of Japan map, Okinawa after the destination map
appears, right click the mouse)
prefecturehttp://www.mapion.co.jp/map/admi47.html

The Okinawa Prefectural Police Department: All-Okinawa altitude map
http://www.police.pref.okinawa.jp/docs/2015042100012/(Tornadoes)
The Meteorological Agency: What severe gusts like tornadoes are
http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/kishou/know/toppuu/tornado1-1.html

The Meteorological Agency: How to protect yourself from a tornado
http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/kishou/know/toppuu/tornado4-3.html

Meteorological Agency leaflet: “Protect yourself from tornadoes: tornado watch
information” http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/kishou/books/tatsumaki/index.html
The Meteorological Agency Tornado-producing probability, “now-cast”:
http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/kishou/know/toppuu/tornado3-1.html(Habu snakes)
Okinawa Prefecture Home Page: Beware of habu snakes!:
http://www.pref.okinawa.lg.jp/site/hoken/eiken/eisei/habutop.html

Okinawa Prefecture Pharmaceutical Affairs Disease Control Support Division
Pamphlet ‘Beware of habu snakes!’
http://www.pref.okinawa.lg.jp/site/hoken/eiken/eisei/documents/habudai5hank.pdf

Okinawa Prefecture Pharmaceutical Affairs Disease Control Support Division‘About Habu’
http://www.pref.okinawa.lg.jp/site/hoken/seikatsueisei/yakumu/habu.html
30

Okinawa Prefecture Pharmaceutical Affairs Disease Control Support Division‘Habu Antitoxin Reserve Medical Institution’
http://www.pref.okinawa.lg.jp/site/hoken/seikatsueisei/yakumu/documents/h29jyoubiiryouki
kan.pdf(Agate snail (Africa maimai)
Okinawa Prefecture Pest Prevention Technology Center
http://www.pref.okinawa.jp/mibae/maimai/

National Institute for Environmental Studies: Invasive creature database
https://www.nies.go.jp/biodiversity/invasive/DB/detail/70250.html(Orvasca taiwana (Taiwan Kidoku-ga)
Okinawa Prefecture Home Page: ‘Beware of orvasca taiwana’
http://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/hoken/eiken/eisei/taiwankidokuga.html

Dermatitis by Orvasca Taiwana (Okinawa hygiene environmental laboratory)
http://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/hoken/eiken/news/documents/28page2.pdf(Dangerous marine organisms)
Amami Marine Exhibition Hall: “Dangerous organisms in the sea”:
http://www.michinoshima.jp/node/29

General Information about outdoor habbies site, Information of life-threatening
creatures:
http://outdoor.ymnext.com/topnavi-01.html

Umibe-Nature School in Nakijin, Dangerous marine organisms in Okinawa:
http://www.umibe-nature.com/040108ka.htm

Bouz Konjak Marketplace fish and shellfish dictionary:
http://www.zukan-bouz.com/fish/datu/datu.html
Wikipedia.org - Anboina shells: https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/アンボイナガイ

The Japan Coast Guard Nago Coast Guard Station report No.9 12 Sept. 2014,
Examples of being killed and wounded by a needlefish:
http://www.kaiho.mlit.go.jp/11kanku/naha/gyoumu/gyoumugaiyou/nagotsushin/H26/No.9.pdf

Yasuhiro MIYAHARA, Yasunori ARAKI, Habu and Dangerous Marine Organism
Handbook, Mugen publishing company, 2014
(Heatstroke)
The Ministry of the Environment Ministry, Heatstroke, environmental insurance
manual:http://www.wbgt.env.go.jp/heatillness_manual.php

Ministry of the Environment heatstroke Prevention information Site:
http://www.wbgt.env.go.jp/(Sources for the latest information about typhoons, earthquakes, and tsunami)
Okinawa Prevention Disaster Information Portal site ‘Haisai! Boosai Debiru’, All
Okinawa：Okinawa Prefecture disaster damage prevention weather report(English, Chinese (Chinese traditional, simplified Chinese characters), Korean)
http://www.bousai.okinawa.jp/31

(Disaster damage prevention as a whole)
The Meteorological Agency Home Page ‘Protect yourself from disaster: Protect fromtornadoes, lightning, tsunami, earthquakes, and heavy rain’ (English available)
http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/kishou/fukyu_portal/(Area electronic alert)
NTT docomo

http://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/service/safety/areamail/Softbank

http://www.softbank.jp/mobile/service/urgent_news/about/disaster_info/ａｕ

http://www.au.kddi.com/notice/kinkyu_sokuho/jishin_sokuho/index.html

The Meteorological Agency Multilingual Dictionary of Urgent Earthquake Breaking
News, Tsunami Warnings (English, Chinese (Chinese traditional, simplified Chinesecharacters), Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and easy Japanese)
http://www.data.jma.go.jp/svd/eqev/data/tagengo/tagengo.html(Others)
Shimonoseki City Fire Brigade homepage: The difference between an evacuation“recommendation” and an evacuation “order”
http://www.svfc.jp/blog110907150222.html

General Incorporated Foundation Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau
http://www.okinawastory.jp/dc/

Okinawa Sightseeing Safety and Security Guide(English, Chinese (Chinese traditional, simplified Chinese characters), Korean)Communication sheet on disaster (In Chinese traditional, simplified Chinesecharacters), Korean)(Means of contact in case of emergency)
Kadokawa shoten weekly aski; Summary of the means of contacting people in adisaster area through the Internet or by telephone:
http://weekly.ascii.jp/elem/000/000/037/37110/

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Reference data 1: Medical institutions that provide antitoxin for habu snakebites
as of March 2017P

H

1

Kenritsu Hokubu Byoin

Nagoshi Oonaka 2-12-3

0980-52-2719

U

O

2

Kokuritsu Rryouyoujo Okinawa

Nagoshi Aza Sumuide 1192

0980-52-8331

B

K

L

U

Nagisgu Aza Umusa

0980-54-1111

I

B

C

U

Airakuen
3

Hokubu Chiku Ishikai Byoin

1712-3
4

Kenritsu Hokubu Byoin Fuzoku Iheya

Iheyamura Aza Gakiya 217

0980-46-2116

Iemura Aza Higashiemae

0980-49-2054

Shinryosho
H

N

E

O

A

R

L

T

T

H

5

Ie Sonritsu Shinryosho

459
6

Kunigami Sonritsu Shinryosho

Kunigamison Aza Hedona

0980-41-5380

1437
7

H

Kunigami Sonritsu Toobuhekichi

Kunigamison Yasuda 170

0980-41-7511

ShinryoshoC

8Kenritsu Chubu Byoin

Ueumahi Aza Miyazato 281

098-973-4111

C

H

9

Iryohojin Ryokusuikai

Ginowanshi Ginowan

098-893-2101

E

U

Ginowan Kinen Byoin

3-3-13N

B

Shakai Iryou Hojin Keiaikai Nakagami

Okinawashi Noborikawa

T

U

Byoin

610

Tokutei Iryo Hojin Okinawa

Kitanakagusukuson

Tokushuukai Chuubutokushukai Byoin

Awasetochikukakuseirijigyo

E
R

10

11
C
E

098-939-1300

098-932-1110

uchikunai 2gaiku 1ban

R

N

12

Iryo Hojin Jinseikai Naka Byoin

Kadenacho Kadena 258

098-956-1161

E

T

13

Tokutei Iryo Hojin Kariyushikai Heart

Nakagusukuson Iju 208

098-895-3255

G

R

I

A

O

L

N

N

Iryo Hojin Wa no Kai Yonabaru Chuou

Yonabarucho Aza

098-945-8101

S

A

Byoin

Yonabaru 2905

Tokutei Iryo Hojin Okinawa

Yaesecho Aza Hokama

Tokushuukai Nanbutokushuukai Byoin

171-1

16

Iryo Hojin Yuaikai Nanbu Byoin

Itomanshi Aza Maezato 870

098-994-0501

17

Iryo Hojin Yuaikai Tomigusuku Chuo

Tomigusukushi Aza Ueda

098-850-3811

Byoin

25

Kenritsu Nanbu Iryo Center・Kodomo

Haebarucho Aza Arakawa

Iryo Center

118-1

N

Life Byoin

14

15

B
U
S
O
U

18

T
H

33

098-998-3221

098-888-0123

C

19

Okinawa Sekijuji Byoin

Nahashi Yogi 1-3-1

098-853-3134

H

20

Jieitai Naha Byoin

Nahashi Toma 301

098-857-1191

U

21

Naha Shiritu Byoin

Nahashi Furujima 2-31-1

098-884-5111

O

22

Shakai Iryo hojin Jinaikai Urasoe Sogo

Urasoeshi Iso 4-16-1

098-878-0231

Kumejimacho Aza

098-985-5555

Byoin
C

23

Koritsu Kumejima Byoin

E
N

Kadekaru 572-3
24

T
E

25

R

Kenritsu Nanbu Iryo Center Fuzoku

Tokashikimura Aza

098-987-2028

Tokashiki Shinryosho

Tokashiki 277

Kenritsu Nanbu Iryo Center Fuzoku

Tonakimura 1916-1

098-989-2003

Nishiharacho Aza Uehara098-895-3331

Tonaki Shinryosho
26

Ryukyudaigaku Igakubu Fuzoku Byoin

207

Y

27

Okinawa Kyodo Byoin

Nahashi Kohagura 4-10-55

098-853-1200

28

Kenritsu Yaeyama Byoin

Ishigakishi Aza Ookawa

0980-83-2525

A
E

732
29

Y
A

Taketomicho Iriomote 694

0980-85-6268

Kenritsu Yaeyama Byoin Fuzoku

Taketomijima Aza Haemi

0980-85-5516

Oohara Shinryosho

201-131

Kenritsu Yaeyama Byoin Fuzoku

Taketomicho Aza Kohama

Kohama Shinryosho

30

Iriomote Seibu Shinryosho
30

M
A

Kenritsu Yaeyama Byoin Fuzoku

31

34

0980-85-3247

Reference data 3: Disaster words that are useful to memorize in Japanese
カテゴリー

にほんご

English日本語 Japanesecategory
たいふう

たいふう

Taifuuぼうふうけいほう台風

a typhoona typhoon

台風 Taifuu

a storm warning

暴風警報 Boofuu keehoo

ぼうふうとくべつけいほう

a storm emergency warning

暴風 特別 警報

Boofuu tokubetsu keehoo
おおあめとくべつけいほう

a heavy rain emergency warning

大雨 特別 警報

Ooame tokubetsu keehoo
は ろ う とくべつけいほう

a high wave emergency warning

波浪 特別 警報

Haroo tokubetsu keehoo
たかしおとくべつけいほう

a storm surge emergency warning

高潮 特別 警報

Takashio tokubetsu keehoo
きょうふうちゅういほう

強 風 注意報 Kyoofuu chuuihoo

じしん

じしん

a gale advisory
an earthquake

地震

地震Jishin

Jishin

しんど

震度Shindo

seismic intensity

an earthquake

マグニチュード Magunichuudo

magnitude

きんきゅう じ し ん そくほう

an earthquake early warning

緊 急 地震 速報

inkyuu jishin sokuhoo
たつまき

竜巻 Tatsumaki

たつまきa tornado

竜巻 Tatsumaki

a tornado
つなみ

つなみ

津波

津波Tsunami

Tsunamiおおつなみ けいほうa tsunamia tsunami

大津波 警報 OOtsunami keehoo
つ な み けいほうa major tsunami warning

津波 警報 Tsunami keehoo

a tsunami warning

つなみ ちゅういほう

a tsunami advisory

津波 注 意 報 Tsunami chuuihoo
きょうつう

共通

とくべつけいほう

an emergency warning

特別 警報 Tokubetsu keehoo

けいほう

a warning

警報 Keehoo

ちゅういほうan advisory

注意報 Chuuihoo
ひなん し じan evacuation direction

避難指示Hinan shiji
ひ な ん かんこく

an evacuation recommendation

避難 勧告 Hinan kankoku
はっせい～が発生 しました~ has developed～ga hassee shimashita

Ex. A typhoon has developed.

たいふう

はっせい

例）台風 が発生 しました。

Ex. Taihuu ga hassee shimashita.
36はっぴょう～が 発 表 されました~ has been issued～ga happyou saremashita

Ex. A storm warning has been

ぼうふうけいほう

はっぴょう例）暴風警報 が 発 表 されました。 issued.

Ex. Boofuu keehoo ga happyou
saremashita.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Disaster Manual for International Students
2017 Revised Permanent Edition
Date of issue: March 31, 2018
Editing・Issued by: University of the Ryukyus
Global Education Center,
International Student Unit Consulting Section〒903-0213 1 Aza Senbaru Nishihara-Cho Okinawa

37