The Rainiest Season
Japan, except for Hokkaido, has a rainy season, called Tsuyu, every year between late May and late July. The wet weather is caused by cold winds from the north colliding with warm southern winds. Where I live, the average dates for the rainy season is June 8th to July 21st.
The first year I lived here in Shizuoka, it hardly rained during the rainy season. I was still asking when will the rainy season start, after it had ended. This year seems to be the rainiest rainy season ever. Every day I am wet walking to work and wet walking home. The laundry never seems to dry. All of this is inconvenient for me, but is really nothing compared to what is happening in Kyushu, the southern most of the four main Japanese islands. Some people have been evacuated from their homes, while others are stranded by the deadly floods and mudslides. Yesterday I read the death toll was 66 and 16 were still missing.
Over 300 millimeters of rain has fallen through Saturday and it is still raining. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its second highest evacuation order to more than 450,000 people, but such orders are not compulsory and most residents are choosing not to go to shelters because of coronavirus fears. It is difficult to ensure the safety of those in emergency centers, but the centers are doing what they can.
The company where I work makes large commercial air conditioners. Last week the company donated five of these large units to shelters in Kumamoto prefecture in Kyushu and quickly had them delivered and installed. I am in awe of the generosity of Japanese people and companies even in these poor economic times.
Every day I am thankful to be living in Japan for so many reasons. There is no where I'd rather be, even in the rainiest season.
5 comments:
That weather looks really bad, it is a difficult decision for many people I guess, but the evacuation place looks pretty well set up.
I've seen reports in the media about the flooding and deaths etc. There is no good time for that sort of natural disaster, but being at the same time as a pandemic is really bad timing.
Well done to your company, making that generous donation.
It's so sad to read about the horrors the environment can cause on top of what pain people cause. Japanese people ARE generous and kind. I fear our country will never feel that overall. I admit that I am glad to be so isolated right now.
Be safe and be well.
xx, Carol
This is both sad and heartening to know you are working for a good company. Yes, the Japanese know how to do things well and do. Trust me, you're not missing anything here in the U.S. in the compassion line from the government point of view.
Wow, this year really has it in for all of us...I'm glad Japan seems to still have a handle on things; they are probably better at dealing with stuff like this than most countries in the world.
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