AIR Worldwide releases new inland flood model for Japan
Catastrophe modelling firm AIR Worldwide has launched a new inland flood model for Japan, and also released a new version of its Japan typhoon model as part of an update to its catastrophe modelling software platform Touchstone.
The flood model, which AIR claims is the first such tool to be developed for Japan, simulates the effects of on- and off-plain inland flooding from sources other than tropical cyclones – non-tropical sources account for 40% of flood losses in Japan.
The model covers an area of more than 377,000 square kilometres, divided into more than 20,000 unit catchments for a river exceeding 100,000km in length. It also takes flood defences into consideration and uses observational data on river flows and lake and dam storage at more than 1,000 and 2,000 locations respectively, for validation and calibration purposes.
“Until now, the industry has lacked the tools to effectively quantify inland flood risk in Japan,” said Dr Jayanta Guin, chief research officer at AIR Worldwide. “We’re excited to add Japan to our growing portfolio of high-resolution flood models. The model represents another step forward in helping the industry manage this complex risk by better understanding the severity, frequency and loss potential of extreme flood events in Japan.”
Touchstone 5.1, the fifth update of the modelling platform, also features enhancements to its geospatial module, said AIR, which are designed to reduce analysis run times, as well as additional map visualisation tools and support for more geographic information system data formats.
“These latest updates will continue to simplify companies’ risk management workflows, while also helping them develop their own view of risk in one easy-to-use, comprehensive risk management platform,” said Rob Newbold, executive vice-president at AIR Worldwide.
