It is envisaged that the newly introduced X Band MP (Multi Parameter) Radar will provide higher precision rainfall information compared to the conventional radar, contributing to river and disaster management in Japan. However, the procedure for rainfall estimation, the operational structures and the ways of effectively utilizing the rainfall information have not yet been established.
The objective of this research is to analyze the "needs" of the users (e.g., what type of information is needed at what timing?) for the MP radar from the perspectives of river managers, municipalities, general public, etc. It aims to propose the operational procedures to realize the functionalities demanded by the users, and to make recommendations for developing disaster evacuation support systems.
The first year of the research involved the following elements:
1. Determine and analyze the radar rainfall and disaster information needed by the users
2. Propose the basic strategy for flood/inundation forecasting and flood disaster evacuation support systems

This research is a commissioned research through the River Technology Research Grant by the Ministry of Land Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan.