In August 4, 2026, Professor Tomohiro Fukuda of Environmental design and Information technology laboratory was featured in Kansai TV’s News Runner special report, “In-Depth Report: Guerrilla Downpours and the Reality of Urban Flooding,” where he explained the growing risks of urban inland (pluvial) flooding.

The program explored how intense short-duration rainfall can overwhelm urban drainage systems, leading to inland flooding. Through on-site interviews, Professor Fukuda discussed the mechanisms of inland flooding, the characteristics of flood-prone areas, the influence of urban infrastructure and topography, and practical measures that residents can take to improve disaster preparedness.

Unlike river flooding, inland flooding occurs when heavy rainfall exceeds the capacity of drainage systems, causing rainwater to accumulate in urban areas. As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events, inland flooding has become an increasingly important challenge for cities worldwide.

Our laboratory conducts research on urban resilience by leveraging digital technologies such as Digital Twins, GIS, and artificial intelligence to analyze, visualize, and better understand the built environment. We remain committed to translating research outcomes into practical knowledge that contributes to safer and more resilient cities.

The program is also available on YouTube.
https://youtu.be/-EQdlTyNJ1M?si=ssu2Q4nZVa2F9ciA