Massive disappearances post-storm in Japan ++ Millions braced for evacuation orders
Heavy Flooding and Landslides in Kumamoto, Japan: A Critical Situation
The Prefecture of Kumamoto in Japan has been hit by a devastating disaster due to heavy rainfall and flooding in early August 2025. The region experienced record-breaking rainfall, with Tamana City recording over 37 centimeters (370 mm) in just six hours, more than double the average August rainfall[1][2][5].
The deluge triggered widespread flooding, landslides, and mudslides that submerged homes, roads, and vehicles under about one meter of water and caused rivers like the Saigo River to surge beyond their banks[1][3][4]. The disaster severely affected multiple towns including Tamana City, Kosa, Misato, Yamato, and Fukuoka prefecture nearby[1][2][3].
Several casualties have been reported: at least six deaths, five people missing, and 19 injured due to landslides and floods. Some were trapped beneath collapsed buildings or swept away by rivers[1][4][5]. In Kosa Town, a man went missing following a mudslide near his home while his family was evacuated safely[1][3][5]. Rescue efforts continue amid warnings of unstable, saturated ground prone to further landslides[5].
Authorities issued Japan's highest-level heavy rain emergency warnings for over 3 million residents in southwestern Kyushu, including 384,000 people under the strictest evacuation advisories primarily in Kumamoto[2][3][5]. Tens of thousands were evacuated, with emergency services mobilized and transport systems disrupted, including suspension of Shinkansen bullet train services on Kyushu lines and disruptions to local trains[4][5].
The situation in Kumamoto remains critical due to unprecedented rainfall, widespread flooding, landslides, loss of life, missing persons, infrastructure damage, ongoing evacuations, and disruption to transportation[1][2][3][4][5]. Rescue and recovery operations are continuing under challenging conditions as the ground remains unstable.
[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2] [3] [Source 3] [4] [Source 4] [5] [Source 5]
- In the midst of the critical situation in Kumamoto, Japan, people should stay updated on both general news and weather updates for potential landslides and flood alerts.
- As the disaster in Kumamoto continues, meteorologists are closely monitoring the weather for any changes, providing essential updates on rainfall patterns to assess the risk of further landslides and flooding.
