Tokyo: Japanese researchers have developed a self-elevating barrier with the ability to bear the impact of powerful tsunamis.
A team from the Nagoya University in central Japan, in collaboration with Hitachi Zosen Corporation, has tested a system which "can be put to use at any time," a spokesperson told Efe news agency.
Placed on conventional sea walls, the structure when in use provides additional height to the wall and can withstand the impact of large waves.
When not in use it folds away so as to not impede the view.
Made buoyant, the structure opens out as the sea level rises, creating a wall to block the waves.
Experimental walls have withstood waves of up to 10 metres in height.
Many municipalities are constructing new barriers following the earthquake of March 2011, which generated a tsunami with waves above 15 metres and killed 20,000 people.