After quake-proof buildings, Japanese firm now develops 'flood-resistant' floating houses
A Japanese house development company 'Ichijo Komuten,' has found a way for people to stay safe amid the terrible floods. The company claims to have created floating houses that would help flood-prone countries to save their citizens. The structure of the house is unusual because it is waterproof, according to the firm, and when the level of water rises, the building begins to float.
Why does this story matter?
Japan has long been trained to fight earthquakes with seismic-resistant homes. However, the country also faces frequent flooding brought by typhoons and torrential rains, which causes damage and casualties. In fact, India is also among the flood-prone countries. Currently, Assam is witnessing the most devastating floods this year killing over 139 people due to deluge and landslides.
What did the company say about the invention?
"The house is connected by thick iron rods, and connected to the ground by thick cables, which release the house upwards when floods occur and affix it back to the ground when the flood is over. As the water recedes, the house touches the ground," the company said. "The house can float at a height of up to five meters," it added.
Company also demonstrates the house to the public
"The house looks like a normal house, but when the water started filling up around it, the house slowly started leaving the ground and rising upwards," the company told a US television channel in an interview and while demonstrating the house to people.
Look at the images and video of the house here
Devastating Assam floods
Closer home, with more than 8.62 lakh people suffering, Cachar is the worst-affected district in Assam. Barpeta and Nagaon are the next worst-affected areas, with roughly 5.73 lakh and 5.16 lakh people, respectively. Meanwhile, water shortage, lack of relief supplies, and absence of energy supply in Silchar town left thousands of flood victims in anguish for the ninth day in a row on Tuesday.
