Alert Announced: Intense Rainfall Alert for a City in Southwestern Japan
Heavy Rain Emergency Hits Kirishima, Kagoshima Prefecture
Kirishima, a city in Kagoshima prefecture, Japan, was hit by a severe heavy rain emergency on August 8, 2025. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued the highest-level heavy rain emergency warning for Kirishima, the first of the year on the nation's five-tier disaster alert system [1][2][3][4].
The heavy rain was caused by a linear precipitation zone—a band of cumulonimbus clouds that produces massive localized rainfall [1][3]. This led to increasing flood risk, particularly in areas near the Amori River in Kirishima [1].
The heavy rain resulted in several emergency incidents. One house collapsed in Kirishima, and another flooded in the city of Satsumasendai [1]. Two people were rescued after two trucks fell from a damaged bridge [1]. Around 40 people, including children, were isolated at a campsite in Kirishima due to road damage [1]. In Aira city, two women were hospitalized after a house collapsed, with the occupants conscious at the time [1].
The rainfall and associated hazards continued through the first weekend of August, with forecasts warning of heavy rain persisting through Sunday in Kagoshima and the wider Kyushu region, with expected volumes of 200 mm in southern Kyushu within 24 hours [2][4].
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba held a press conference, emphasizing the government's high alert status and comprehensive emergency response measures [5]. He urged residents to stay vigilant and follow safety instructions carefully, noting that in some cases, staying put might be safer than evacuating, depending on real-time conditions [5].
Local authorities are actively engaged in disaster response and public safety efforts, working tirelessly to ensure the wellbeing of the residents. The heavy rain emergency serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of weather and the importance of being prepared for emergencies.
Arts and photography were put on hold as the heavy rain emergency hit Kirishima, Kagoshima Prefecture, causing flood risks and emergency incidents. Weather-forecasting predicted heavy rain to persist in the Kyushu region, highlighting the significance of preparedness and accurate weather updates during such unpredictable weather events.
