On April 4th, the heaviest rain and strong winds of the year so far have brought a “spring storm” to various parts of the country. Cherry blossom viewing spots, which were in full bloom, were also battered by the bad weather. With trees falling one after another, a sense of caution is rising in various places. (Saturday Station, broadcast on April 4th)
■ “Winds stronger than a typhoon” Damage spreads mainly in western Japan Footage taken at the Tottori Sand Dunes around 1 p.m. on April 4th shows strong winds whipping up sand, making a rumbling sound. In Tottori City, the maximum instantaneous wind speed reached 35.8 m/s just after noon, and a storm warning was issued for a time. Damage such as signs being blown away and building walls being peeled off was reported one after another, and dozens of reports were made to the police. The “spring storm” raged across various parts of the country, mainly in western Japan. Along the coast in Kagoshima City, all the bicycles were overturned and benches were flipped over.
In Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, glass doors were severely damaged by the strong winds. Store staff said the wind felt “stronger than a typhoon.” The “spring storm” was caused by a well-developed low-pressure system and front passing over the Japanese archipelago. Off the coast of Miyazu City in northern Kyoto Prefecture, a phenomenon resembling a “gust of wind” was observed, with seawater being whipped up as it moved.
■The “spring storm” also hit Tokyo, where the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. Around 7 p.m. on the 4th, in Tokyo… Report by announcer Kengo Nishina: “This is Sumida Park. The rain is getting stronger. Everyone is enjoying the cherry blossoms with umbrellas.” It rained intermittently in Tokyo from the morning. This caused petals to fall even on the cherry blossoms that were in full bloom. One place that was greatly affected by the rain was the Meguro River Cruise, which tours famous cherry blossom spots over 70 minutes. You can see the cherry blossoms up close from the open-top boat, but some people were unable to take good pictures due to the rain. It is said that there were many cancellations due to the rain.
Shinji Uchiyama, representative of Galleon Cruises, said, “(Although it was originally full) the occupancy rate is now around 60%. I think there is still plenty of time to enjoy cherry blossom viewing, so we will do our best.”
■ Growing sense of crisis over “fallen trees” Last summer’s weather may be a factor On the 4th, there were cordon lines everywhere in Kinuta Park. Since March, there have been a series of cherry trees falling in Kinuta Park. The management office is investigating the cause and conducting additional inspections. Trees that have been found to be abnormal are being surrounded with tape until their safety can be confirmed. Furthermore, on the 2nd, a cherry tree also fell in Chidorigafuchi, a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. It is said that it may have fallen due to the effects of rain and wind. In Negishi Forest Park in Yokohama City, dangerous trees are inspected three times a day during park patrols. Special patrols are also conducted when warnings for strong winds or heavy rain are issued.
Negishi Forest Park Director Mitsuru Kato: “The cherry blossom hill in the park is about 50 years old. The trees are getting old, so we’ve taken preventative measures and are keeping people away. Even if there’s nothing wrong on the outside, we thoroughly examine them and find that the inside is hollow. When we have any doubts, we tap or push on them to assess the situation and then cut them down.” In addition to aging, last summer’s weather conditions also played a role in the trees falling. Negishi Forest Park Director Mitsuru Kato: “If there’s no rain and it’s hot in the summer, the trees and soil weaken, so we’re carefully monitoring their health.” The park also regularly conducts inspections by arborists. To manage the trees, they’ve numbered all of them and manage them using planting maps and other methods.
■Falling trees are increasing. What are the points to watch out for? Toshi Landscape Arborist Satoshi Takao: “We’re getting more requests to make the trees more compact so they’re less affected by the wind, and more requests for arborist-level checks on the health of the trees.” The increasing number of cherry trees falling has heightened the sense of urgency among the clients.
Toshi Landscape’s Satoshi Takao, a tree doctor, said, “(This zelkova tree) has been examined internally, and it should be fine for several years. It will be too late once something happens.” “For example, branches that have nothing (like leaves) attached at this time of year are dead. It’s best to think of them as dangerous. When it rains, the soil absorbs water and becomes soft. There is a possibility that the ability to support the roots will decrease slightly. On days when there are strong winds or heavy rain, it is best not to go near large trees.” [TV Asahi NEWS]
