Intense rainstorms in southwestern Japan halts transport and inflicts damage
Southwestern Japan is grappling with a severe natural disaster crisis, as record-breaking heavy rainfall has led to flooding, landslides, and major transportation disruptions, primarily in the Kyushu region, particularly Kumamoto Prefecture.
The rainfall in Kumamoto Prefecture reached nearly 370 millimeters (about 14.5 inches) in six hours, nearly double the typical monthly rainfall, setting new local records. Rivers overflowed their banks, flooding homes, submerging vehicles, and roads with up to a meter of water. Landslides have swept away houses and cars in multiple locations.
At least two lives have been lost in this catastrophe. A man was swept away during evacuation efforts, and a woman was found in a car submerged in an irrigation canal. Many others remain missing, with search and rescue operations ongoing amid ongoing threats of additional landslides and river flooding.
Tens of thousands of residents have been advised or ordered to evacuate, including over 3 million people across southwestern Japan under various evacuation advisories and warnings. Kumamoto faced the highest-level emergency rainfall warnings initially, later downgraded but with continued caution urged due to unstable ground conditions and ongoing flood risks.
Transportation networks have been severely impacted. JR Kyushu temporarily suspended bullet train operations due to flooding but resumed later. Many roads have been damaged or submerged, complicating access and rescue efforts. The halt in JR West's Sanyo Shinken services affected approximately 67,700 passengers.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and government agencies have emphasized vigilance and disaster management, committing to ongoing response and rescue operations.
The summer vacation season is being disrupted by these transportation disruptions in southwestern Japan. Torrential rain continues to cause floods and landslides in the region, with the situation still being assessed by local authorities.
[1] NHK World [2] Japan Today [3] The Japan Times [4] Kyodo News [5] Asahi Shimbun
- The severe weather conditions in Kumamoto Prefecture, Southwestern Japan, have not only caused extensive damage to the transportation network, but also prompted the two major media outlets, NHK World and Japan Today, to closely monitor the situation.
- Moreover, the AI systems powering these news agencies are being trained to predict future weather patterns in Japan, potentially aiding in disaster prevention and mitigation efforts for similar crises in the future, looking towards a more smart and resilient transportation system.
