Gifu Prepares for Typhoon

Currently Gifu, Japan, venue of the 2005 World Rowing Championships is experiencing heavy rain and wind as the area prepares for an approaching typhoon.

The typhoon is expected to reach Gifu on 25 August and last about 18 hours. Already the Nagaragawa International Regatta Course buoys have been removed due to strong currents caused by rain higher up the Nagara River.

FISA events director Svetla Otzetova says at present the course is calm and rowers from the 37 countries that have already arrived are out training. ?The situation is under control and we are establishing slots when training is possible on the course. Training is alright for the next couple of days.?

The organising committee has brought in 100 rowing machines for the athletes to train on if the weather deteriorates and these are under a tent that can sustain typhoon conditions.

FISA Executive Director Matt Smith says that the course will be re-installed between 26 and 27 August. ?Hopefully racing can start as planned on the 28th,? says Smith. ?There are Team Manager meetings twice a day to keep everyone on site fully informed.?

?River courses, like Gifu and Vienna, are subject to large water flows when there are heavy rains. It takes only a day or so to recover to the original water level. For those who weren't around in 1991, the Danube (Vienna) flooded one week before the World Rowing Championships. The Vienna fire department put things back in place and the event was successful. In Gifu we have the full support of the authorities.?

Typhoons are common in this area with accurate monitoring being used and contingency plans already in place.

Attached is the Gifu contingency scenario as planned.

The World Rowing team values feedback.