A "semi-fixed drainage pump" has been installed!
On June 15, 2025, a citizen sent us a photo and a message 📷
[Every time I go for a walk, I see the drainage pump facility covered up, but I really appreciate the attitude of preparing like this in anticipation of heavy rain forecasts!
Since this is the first time I've seen the drainage pump facility in a state of readiness since it was installed, I'm sending you a photo]
This pump is a "semi-fixed drainage pump" installed as a flood control measure for the Osaki district.
🔶 Why is the Osaki district prone to flooding?
The Homan River flows north to south through Ogori City, along with its tributary, the Chiji River.
When the water level of the Homan River rises due to heavy rain, water flows backward into the Chiji River.
To prevent this backflow, the "sluice gate" on the Chiji River is closed, but
closing the sluice gate creates a troublesome problem where the water in the Chiji River can no longer flow out...
As a result, water that cannot be drained into the river overflows into the local area.
Since the heavy rains of July 2018, residential flooding and road inundation have occurred repeatedly.
The role of the pump
That is where this semi-fixed drainage pump comes in
・Installation location
Right bank of the Amanogawa Bridge, near Homan-no-Sato
(Connected to the waterway)
・Drainage capacity
45 tons per minute total for 3 units
If one 25m swimming pool is about 500 tons (search 🔍),
45 tons per minute is about one pool every 11 minutes, I guess?
・Mechanism
Even if the sluice gate is closed, the pump pumps the water up and drains it into the Homan River!
・Operation timing
Operates under specific conditions, such as when the Chiji River sluice gate is closed
While it does not have a major impact on the water level of the Homan River itself, it is a facility that is effective in reducing the risk of inland flooding along the Chiji River.
What does "semi-fixed" mean?
Some people say, "Isn't it a hassle to install it every time?" but
actually, this pump ispermanently installedduring the heavy rain and typhoon season (June to October).
The pump unit itself is a "semi-fixed" type that can be used immediately once set up.
It is something that can be fixed in place but removed during the off-season.
According to the photographer, the motor section was also securely fixed with a padlock to prevent theft and loss!
It's subtle, but you can tell from the site that it is being installed and maintained very carefully.
A "fixed pump" is also scheduled to be installed next year!
A "fixed pump facility" is scheduled to be completed at the same location next March ✨
Once this is completed, a more permanent and stable drainage capacity will be secured,
and flood control measures for the Osaki district will take another step forward!
Let's all find "preparations"
The person who photographed this pump while out for a walk said,
"Just seeing it installed conveys the attitude of trying to be prepared!"
Disaster prevention is not just about hardware improvements,
it made me feel that "being able to see that preparations are in place" also leads to peace of mind.
Please take a look around your own area as well 😊
You might find disaster preparedness measures in unexpected places ❗️