Flood Alert Declared for Certain Regions Within Kumamoto Province Due to Intense Rainfall
Heavy Rain Emergency Hits Kumamoto, Japan
Record-breaking intense rainfall associated with linear precipitation zones has caused a heavy rain emergency in the city of Kumamoto, Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued an emergency warning at 12:20 a.m. on Monday for the city of Tamana and the town of Nagasu in Kumamoto prefecture.
The linear precipitation zones, or strings of developed rain clouds that often bring torrential rain, formed in Kumamoto and some other prefectures in the Kyushu southwestern region. In Tamana city, 37 to 40+ centimeters of rain fell within 6 to 12 hours, far exceeding average August rainfall and causing severe flooding and landslides.
Impact
Over 3 million people received evacuation advisories and warnings, with around 384,000 under Japan’s highest-level evacuation warning, mainly in Kumamoto Prefecture. Severe flooding submerged residential areas up to 1 meter deep, destroyed infrastructure, swept away vehicles, damaged roads, and caused landslides that trapped some residents and swept away others. At least 6 deaths and 5 missing persons were reported, with many injuries and ongoing search and rescue operations.
The transport system was heavily affected; Shinkansen (high-speed rail) services on Kyushu were suspended, and local train services disrupted.
Current Situation
By mid-August 2025, the Japan Meteorological Agency downgraded the highest-level emergency warning to lower alert levels but cautioned ongoing vigilance due to unstable ground conditions and a continued risk of landslides. Rescue operations continue for missing people, and infrastructure recovery efforts are underway. The government is assessing damages and mobilizing resources in response to this disaster.
In Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, the 24-hour rainfall total by 8:10 p.m. on Sunday reached 366.5 millimeters, renewing a record high at that location. In Munakata, Fukuoka Prefecture, the 24-hour rainfall total by 8:10 p.m. on Sunday reached 414.5 millimeters, also renewing a record high at that location.
The Japan Meteorological Agency is urging immediate safety measures in the affected areas, as the risk of flooding and other disasters remains high.
The excessive rainfall, a product of linear precipitation zones, has not only disrupted local train services and suspended Shinkansen services in the area, but it has also become a topic of discussion in various environmental-science and media outlets. With several incidents of severe flooding and landslides disrupting daily life in Kumamoto, the importance of scientific advancements in predicting and mitigating such weather-related disasters is more apparent than ever.
