Influence of Unzen Volcano Disaster on Shimabara Railway

Due to the eruption of Mt. Unzen-Fugendake on Nov. 17, 1990 many peoples were forced to leave their houses over three years. The main problem encountered during and after the eruption is the debris flow towards Shimabara City. Peoples who were living in areas closed to the debris flow were always suffering the damages occurred in the railways and roads. Shimabara Construction Office has maintained and reconstructed most of the destroyed roads for many times and they provided some bridges in all the areas where in huge debris flow is expected. Due to the numerous debris flow from 4/1/1991 until 3/31/1993 most of the construction companies did not continue their works due to the lack of money. Among these companies is Shimabara Railway Corporation which has maintained the railways in Shimabara Peninsla for three consecutive times since the huge pyroclastic flow occurred on 6/3/1991. The latest eruption has caused a huge damages mainly in the railway which connects Shimabara and Antoku. To realize the size of the damages, we interviewed the president of Shimabara Railway Corporation