The most fearful weather condition faced by the inhabitants of Gunkanjima was the appalling violence of the typhoons. Not only because of the direct damaged caused, but also because of the suspension of ferry services -which supplied food and water- for several days, the island was like a besieged city or a battlefield, when a typhoon struck. Typhoons not only increased the coherence of the community they also heightened the sense of responsibility: just as in the mine a single man's carelessness might cause the death of many of his fellows, so in a typhoon, if one family ignored the necessary precautions, the lower levels of the island would rapidly be underwater. Everywhere on Gunkanjima there were devices intended to provide protection from typhoons, most of them erected on their own initiative by the inhabitants. They constitute clear evidence of individual effect on behalf of the community. (Ph. 2-14.15)