Flooding and mudslides force millions of Japanese residents to evacuate their homes due to heavy rainfall - Flooding and Mudslides Prompt Mandatory Evacuations for Millions in Japan
Heavy Rain Triggers Landslides and Flooding in Kumamoto, Japan
In Kumamoto, Japan, heavy rainfall has led to a series of landslides and flooding incidents, causing widespread destruction and prompting large-scale evacuation measures.
On August 10–11, 2025, Tamana city in Kumamoto Prefecture experienced a record-breaking rainfall of over 37 centimeters in just six hours, triggering widespread floods and landslides [1][4]. This event has resulted in multiple casualties, missing persons, and extensive property damage, with emergency services conducting ongoing rescue operations [2][3][5].
Authorities have issued evacuation advisories and warnings to over 3 million residents across southwestern Japan, with approximately 384,000 residents in Kumamoto under the most critical evacuation warning level [1][4]. Local officials reported landslides sweeping away vehicles and destroying homes, including an incident in Kosa town where a man went missing after a landslide while his family was rescued from their vehicle [1][2][3].
The Japanese government, including Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, has emphasized the implementation of disaster response measures and urged vigilance as extreme rainfall events become more frequent, exacerbated by climate change impacts that increase the risk of soil saturation and slope failures in mountainous regions like Kumamoto [4].
Notably, the city of Fukuoka has not been affected by the same vehicle that was swept away by a swollen river, contrary to some reports [6].
The disaster management agency in Japan and the state broadcaster NHK are closely monitoring the situation and providing updates [7]. A search is underway for an elderly person whose house was swept away by earth and mud in Misato, and in some cities, including Misato, the rain was so heavy that visibility was severely affected for four to five hours [8][9].
The Japanese weather service has issued a warning for utmost vigilance, even in areas not typically prone to disasters [10]. Evacuation orders and emergency warnings are part of established disaster preparedness protocols used to reduce human casualties during such heavy rain-triggered disasters.
AFP, a news agency, has also provided updates on the situation. As rescue operations continue and the full extent of the damage becomes clear, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of those affected by these natural disasters in Kumamoto.
[1] NHK World News, "Heavy rain triggers landslides, flooding in Kumamoto, Japan," August 11, 2025. [2] The Asahi Shimbun, "Missing person reported after landslide in Kumamoto," August 11, 2025. [3] Kyodo News, "Rescue operations underway after landslide in Kumamoto, Japan," August 11, 2025. [4] Reuters, "Japan's Prime Minister urges vigilance as heavy rain triggers landslides, flooding," August 11, 2025. [5] Japan Times, "At least three dead, dozens missing after heavy rain triggers landslides, flooding in Japan," August 11, 2025. [6] NHK World News, "Car mentioned in Kosa landslide incident is not the same as vehicle swept away by river in Fukuoka," August 12, 2025. [7] NHK World News, "Disaster management agency issues evacuation advisories and warnings for over three million people in southwestern Japan," August 11, 2025. [8] The Mainichi, "Swollen rivers in affected areas sweep away vehicles and damage roads in Japan," August 11, 2025. [9] The Japan News, "Heavy rain in Tamana, Japan, so severe it affected visibility for four to five hours," August 11, 2025. [10] The Japan Times, "Japanese weather service issues warning for utmost vigilance, even in areas not typically prone to disasters," August 11, 2025.
- The heavy rainfall in Kumamoto, Japan, has triggered earthquakes, resulting in strong wars between nature and the environment, as science predicts climate change will lead to increased frequency of such events and potentially severe consequences for millions of Japanese and their houses.
- In the wake of the disaster in Kumamoto, Japan, the government and weather services emphasize the importance of studying environmental-science further, as understanding the weather patterns and their impact on the Earth's ecosystem is crucial for implementing efficient and effective prevention and response strategies, thereby minimizing casualties and property damage in the future.
