Local residents in Nagano gathered on Sunday to commemorate the victims of the devastating flooding that occurred five years ago. The flooding was triggered by Typhoon Hagibis, which caused the Chikuma River to overflow. Approximately 80 people attended a ceremony at a disaster prevention center in the Toyono district, where they offered a silent prayer for those who lost their lives.
One resident, Keiji Kurata, shared his experience of having his house flooded during the disaster. He expressed that he never expected such a tragedy to happen to him and emphasized the importance of not underestimating potential disasters. His words served as a reminder for everyone present.
During the ceremony, Nagano Mayor Kenji Ogiwara addressed the attendees and acknowledged that many affected individuals still harbor feelings of resentment and anger due to their lives not fully returning to normalcy. He assured them that their concerns would be taken seriously and promised continued efforts in administrative management.
The flooding occurred on October 13, 2019 when the Chikuma River breached its banks. In Nagano alone, around 4,300 homes were flooded and tragically claimed the lives of 18 people.
This gathering allowed local residents to come together and pay tribute to those who lost their lives in this tragic event. It also served as an opportunity for reflection on how communities can better prepare for natural disasters in order to minimize future damage and loss of life.