In particular, in the dams of the Chikugo River system, which is an important water source for Fukuoka Prefecture and other areas, the amount of water has become so low that it is described as a 'once in 30 years' event. As of February 14, the water storage rates of multiple dams are significantly below average, and in the Fukuoka metropolitan area, 'reduced-pressure water supply' — which weakens the flow of tap water — is already being implemented.
なかでも= especially; among othersNである= formal version of the copula 'da' (to be)Vほど= to the extent that; so much thatVられる= passive form
With local bathing facilities closing, the shortage is also affecting residents' lives; it is said that if it continues not to rain, authorities may resort to 'nighttime water suspension.'
V・Nする など= doing things like; and so onVており= formal connective form of ~te iru (indicates a continuing state or reason)Vないければ= if ~ does not (conditional negative)Vるに踏み切る= to take a bold step; to decide on a drastic measureVる・Nである ということだ= it is said that; it means that (often used to report news)
formal connective form of ~te iru (indicates a continuing state or reason)
Vないければ
if ~ does not (conditional negative)
Vるに踏み切る
to take a bold step; to decide on a drastic measure
Vる・Nである ということだ
it is said that; it means that (often used to report news)
Nによると
according to N
Vてほしい
want someone to do something
Vocabulary
Word
Reading
Level
Meaning
水不足
みずぶそく
N3
water shortage
深刻
しんこく
N3
serious; severe
勢い
いきおい
N3
force; momentum; vigor
影響
えいきょう
N3
influence; effect
見込み
みこみ
N3
expectation; likelihood
記録的
きろくてき
N2
record-breaking
水源
すいげん
N2
water source
例年
れいねん
N2
average year; ordinary year
大幅
おおはば
N2
significant; substantial
断水
だんすい
N2
water suspension
まとまった
まとまる
N2
substantial; sizeable; settled
心がける
こころがける
N2
to keep in mind; to aim for
貯水率
ちょすいりつ
N1
water storage rate
下回る
したまわる
N1
to fall below
踏み切る
ふみきる
N1
to take a bold step; to decide on
節水
せっすい
N1
water conservation
Language Insights
•The term 'Genatsu Kyusui' (Reduced-pressure water supply) refers to a measure where the water utility reduces the pressure of water in the pipes to curb usage before resorting to a full water suspension (Dansui).
•Chikugo River is a vital water source for the Fukuoka metropolitan area. When dams in this river system run low, it immediately signals a crisis for millions of residents.
•The phrase '30 nen ni 1 do' (once in 30 years) is a common journalistic expression used to emphasize the historical severity of weather-related events.