Heavy rain emergency alert issued for additional districts within Kumamoto
Heavy Rain Emergency in Kumamoto Prefecture: Residents Urged to Secure Safety
A heavy rain emergency warning is currently in effect in Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, after the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued the warning due to heavy rain lashing the northern part of the Kyushu region, including Kumamoto [1][3][5]. The warning marks the highest level on the agency's five-tier scale and is a response to unprecedented rainfall leading to severe flooding, landslides, and significant evacuations.
Areas Affected and Evacuation Measures
Several cities and towns are under emergency warning or receiving heavy rainfall advisories, including Tamana, Uki, Yatsushiro, Kami-Amakusa, Nagasu, Hikawa, and Kosa [1][2][5]. Tamana City experienced a record-breaking 404 mm of rainfall in just 12 hours [1]. Over 3 million people in southwestern Kyushu have been advised or ordered to evacuate, with around 384,000 residents in Kumamoto under the highest-level evacuation warning (Level 5) [1][4].
The cities of Misato and Gyokuto have also been added to the areas under the emergency safety measures [2]. The cities of Tamana and Nagasu received the warning at 12:20 a.m., while the warning for the cities of Yatsushiro and Uki, the town of Hikawa, the city of Kamiamakusa, and the city of Amakusa was issued at specific times [2].
Risk of Landslides and Flooding
Ground conditions are highly vulnerable, and landslide warnings are active in several areas. Residents in high-risk zones are urged to take immediate safety precautions [3][5]. The risk of flooding remains high, and residents are advised to avoid travel in flooded areas and stay updated on emergency broadcasts.
Rescue and Emergency Responses
Search and rescue operations continue for missing persons swept away or trapped by floods and landslides. Authorities emphasize the urgency of evacuation and safety measures [1][2][5]. Shinkansen services between Kagoshima and Hakata were suspended, and local trains were disrupted due to flooding [2].
Stay Informed and Remain Vigilant
Even though some warning levels were downgraded recently, vigilance remains essential due to the ongoing risk of secondary disasters such as landslides [4]. Residents are strongly advised to follow official evacuation orders and stay informed about the situation.
[1] Kyodo News
[2] NHK World
[3] Japan Today
[4] The Japan Times
[5] Asahi Shimbun
- The Japan Meteorological Agency's (JMA) weather-forecasting suggests heavy rainfall will continue in Kumamoto Prefecture, making it vital for residents to closely monitor media updates on the situation.
- Following the evacuations, authorities urged residents to share photos and updates on social media, helping to provide a comprehensive picture of the affected areas for weather-forecasting and emergency-response teams.
