Heavy Rain Emergency Hits Tamana and Nagasu, Kumamoto Prefecture
Flood alert declared for certain regions in Kumamoto Prefecture due to persistent heavy rainfall
In the early hours of August 11, 2025, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a heavy rain emergency warning for Tamana City and Nagasu Town in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan[3][4]. This is the highest level on the agency's warning scale, indicating a high possibility of flooding and other disasters[1][3][4].
The warning came as a result of linear precipitation zones, or strings of developed rain clouds, forming in Kumamoto and some other prefectures in the Kyushu southwestern region[1]. These zones are known for bringing torrential rain[2].
In Tamana City, the rainfall over three hours until 11:50 p.m. on Sunday reached an astonishing 284.0 millimeters, setting a new record for the area[1][2][3]. Similarly, by 8:10 p.m. on Sunday, the 24-hour rainfall total in Munakata, Fukuoka Prefecture, reached 414.5 millimeters, also renewing a record high at that location[1].
The heavy rain has triggered severe flooding and landslides, with reports of people being swept away by rivers. Two people in their 60s were swept away in the Saigo River in Kumamoto Prefecture, and others are missing[2][4][5].
Over 3 million people in the southwestern Kyushu region, including approximately 384,000 in Kumamoto Prefecture, were under evacuation advisories or warnings[2][4]. Rescue teams are actively searching for missing individuals, including those swept away by rivers and landslides[4][5].
The Japan Meteorological Agency is taking action to address the potential for flooding and other disasters in the affected areas. They are urging residents to take immediate safety measures due to the high risk of flooding and other disasters[1][3]. The agency also advised residents to follow evacuation orders and stay informed through local news and emergency alerts.
The affected towns include Tamana and Nagasu in Kumamoto prefecture, but the heavy rain has also affected other areas such as Uki, Yatsushiro, Kami-Amakusa, Hikawa, and Amakusa[5].
As the Kyushu region remains at risk due to the linear precipitation bands, authorities are urging residents to take precautions to avoid landslides and flooding, and to secure their personal safety.
The weather conditions have caused a significant disruption in the national news, with the media focusing on the heavy rain emergency in Tamana City and Nagasu Town, particularly in Kumamoto Prefecture. This environmental-science event underscores the importance of understanding weather patterns and preparing for disasters, as highlighted by the Japan Meteorological Agency's warnings.
