Saitama Prefecture is launching a service to notify visually impaired people, who find it difficult to visually check hazard maps for floods and landslides, of hazard map information through voice.

Since disaster risks and evacuation sites can be confirmed in advance, this will lead to smooth evacuation behavior.

1. Start Date Friday, May 1, 2026

2. Target Areas All municipalities in the prefecture *The service area contracted by the prefecture covers all municipalities in the prefecture except for Saitama City. Saitama City has its own contract and the service has already begun there.

3. Main Features - Voice reading of elevation and disaster risks (flood depth, time until water recedes, etc.) for the current location or any designated location like home. - Navigation to the nearest evacuation site via voice and vibration. - Voice reading of warnings and advisories issued by the Japan Meteorological Agency.

4. How to Use Install the 'Uni-Voice Blind' app (free). *This app reads the 'Uni-Voice' voice code. This app is required to use the 'Audio Hazard Map' service. *Can be installed from each app store or the provided QR codes.

Inquiries: Saitama Prefecture Crisis Management and Disaster Prevention Department, Disaster Measures Division Direct: 048-830-8181 E-mail: a8107-01@pref.saitama.lg.jp

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: News