Learning session on: Living with rivers and dykes – Life of Waju [Myanmar]
On 23rd January, Life in a low ground community in Japan (the “Waju”, a zero-meter area surrounded by dykes among Aichi, Gifu and Mie Prefecture) was introduced to the Nabekone villagers. Similarities and differences were identified by comparing pictures of the village and those of the “Waju” in flooding situations. Comparing the pictures of “Waju” and those of other kinds of low grounds such as landfill sites and reclamation areas during the Ise-wan Typhoon (Vera) in 1959 gave an idea that despite having similar geographic conditions, community’s preparedness on a regular-basis and response in emergencies will surely reduce the risk of disasters. A resident of Nabekone village in a wetland expressed: “I am pretty sure that we in our village have the same level of connectivity and cooperation among the residents as those of the “Waju” residents, but an obvious difference is that the dykes in Japan are clear of trash! This makes me promise that I will not chuck trash everywhere.”
