KOCHI, Feb 21 (News On Japan) –
Record-low rainfall has uncovered elements of a “phantom village” that sank beneath a riverbed greater than 40 years in the past in Niyodogawa, Kochi Prefecture, whereas the water scarcity has additionally left sections of the Shimanto River almost dry, elevating considerations about its influence on ayu fishing and day by day life.
The uncommon scene emerged after an unprecedented lack of rain—described as a once-in-30-years occasion—induced water ranges to drop dramatically, reworking landscapes throughout the area. A staff investigating the continuing nationwide drought examined how the extended dry circumstances are affecting communities and business.
In Niyodogawa, reporters walked by means of overgrown paths to search out remnants of a settlement that had been submerged when a dam was constructed a long time in the past. The drop in water ranges introduced into view rooftops, terraces and different traces of houses as soon as misplaced beneath the river. Residents who keep in mind the village recalled childhood video games performed within the valley and visits to an area inn, describing a neighborhood that disappeared when the dam flooded the realm greater than 4 a long time in the past.
The Odo Dam, one in every of Kochi’s key water sources, recorded a storage fee of 0% for the primary time since operations started, far beneath the everyday 80% for this time of yr. Although latest rainfall has pushed the extent again as much as round 17%, officers warn that the state of affairs stays essential. With water ranges unusually low, elements of the previous Funato settlement—usually hidden beneath the reservoir—have additionally resurfaced. Foundations of houses, a bathhouse and the stays of a bridge that after linked the village can now be seen.
Kataoka Kazuhiko, 74, whose household lived within the village earlier than it was submerged, guided reporters by means of the uncovered web site. He identified the place houses as soon as stood and recalled passing by means of the realm as a toddler, typically receiving a five-yen coin from a relative at a close-by inn. Only the framework of a terrace now stays the place company as soon as gathered for tea and drinks.
The drought’s influence can also be seen alongside the Shimanto River, the longest river in western Japan and a significant vacationer vacation spot recognized for ayu and eel fishing. Sections of the riverbed have been left utterly uncovered, with water flowing by means of solely a fraction of the river’s traditional width. In some areas, the river—usually about 250 meters vast—has shrunk to a channel roughly 60 meters throughout, leaving giant expanses of stones and sand seen.
According to the Nakamura River Office, water ranges within the Shimanto have remained low since late final yr, with present volumes lower than half of regular. Local fishing cooperatives warn that if dry circumstances persist into the approaching months, the migration of ayu upstream might be severely affected.
In response to the continuing water scarcity, Kochi Prefecture has arrange a drought countermeasures headquarters for the primary time in 27 years and is urging residents to preserve water. Officials say that if low rainfall continues, the results may unfold additional into each business and day by day life.
The Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts that low rainfall is prone to proceed for about one other month throughout each jap and western Japan’s Pacific aspect, elevating the chance that the impacts of the drought will deepen nationwide.
Source: FNN