Massive rainfall and landslides in Japan warrant the evacuation of approximately three million people. - Massive evacuation of three million residents in Japan caused by intense rain and landslides
Heavy Rain and Landslides Cause Mass Evacuations in Southwestern Japan
Unprecedented heavy rainfall during the rainy season has led to widespread flooding and landslides in Southwestern Japan, particularly in the prefecture of Kumamoto. The Japanese Meteorological Agency has warned that the situation is life-threatening due to the heavy rain and impending landslides.
In the worst-hit city of Tamana, an astounding 370 liters of rain per square meter fell in just six hours, breaking regional records. This extreme rainfall triggered widespread flooding and multiple landslides, submerging houses, shops, and vehicles in water up to about one meter deep. Rivers surged, sweeping away vehicles and damaging roads, causing life-threatening conditions and forcing mass evacuations.
Authorities have issued evacuation advisories and warnings to over three million residents in the southwestern region, with about 384,000 people under the highest-level evacuation warning, primarily in Kumamoto Prefecture. In the city of Kosa, a man was swept away by a landslide while standing in front of his car on Monday. His family, who were in the car, were unharmed. A search is underway in Misato for an elderly person whose house was swept away by mud and debris.
Several people remain missing, including a man swept away by a landslide near his house in Kosa town and two individuals reported swept away by a river in Fukuoka city. Rescue operations are ongoing, including efforts in Misato to save an elderly man trapped after a landslide.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has downgraded the highest-level heavy rain warning for Kumamoto to lower alert levels but cautioned that landslide risks remain high due to soil destabilization from the rain. Train services, including all bullet trains in Kyushu, have been suspended as a precaution.
The Disaster Protection Agency has advised that even in areas where disasters are not usually expected, the highest vigilance is required. The Japanese government, led by Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, has committed to disaster response measures and urged residents to stay vigilant. The situation is fluid, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
[1] NHK World
[2] The Guardian
[3] The Japan Times
[4] CNN
[5] BBC News
In the wake of the life-threatening situation due to heavy rain and landslides in Southwestern Japan, various community and employment policies may be required for evacuees and affected residents. For instance, these policies might include provisions for temporary housing, assistance for displaced workers, and measures to ensure the safety of evacuation centers. Meanwhile, general-news and crime-and-justice outlets, such as NHK World, The Guardian, The Japan Times, CNN, and BBC News, are closely monitoring and reporting on the weather-related disasters and the government's response.
