Torrential rains hit Japan: Over 1,000 evacuated, and four are unaccounted for
Heavy rain and flooding have been causing havoc in southern Japan, particularly in prefectures like Kumamoto, Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Oita, and Miyazaki. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has warned that the risk of disaster could increase rapidly, and that residents in these areas should prepare for severe weather conditions.
The persistent rainfall, which has been ongoing since early August, has led to widespread flooding, landslides, and injuries. Evacuation orders have affected hundreds of thousands of residents in Kagoshima and Miyazaki, with structures sustaining damage across affected prefectures.
In Kumamoto, a man in his 50s from Kosa went missing after being swept away in his car by a mudslide while attempting to evacuate with his family. Four other people have also been reported missing in the rain-related incidents.
The JMA has issued red warnings for heavy rainfall and flood risks in several locations in Kumamoto prefecture, while noting unstable soil conditions that raise the threat of landslides even if rainfall intensity decreases.
Forecasts over the following days to a week indicate continued heavy rain due to a low vortex combined with monsoon influences. Precipitation in southern Japan, including the areas mentioned, may reach totals over 100 to 200 mm in some localized spots, with potential for over 300 mm, sustaining high risks of floods, landslides, mudslides, and urban waterlogging.
Due to these conditions, railway services have been suspended in some areas like Fukuoka, highlighting disruption to transportation during a peak travel season (Obon Festival period). Over 1,600 people have been evacuated due to heavy rains, and the risk of flooding and landslides has increased in other prefectures in the southwest, central, and coastal areas of Japan.
In response to the situation, JR Kyushu, a railway company operating in the southwest, has announced the suspension of all high-speed lines in the area. The alert has since been downgraded to level four by authorities, but residents are still advised to heed evacuation orders and remain vigilant.
References:
- NHK World
- The Asahi Shimbun
- The Japan Times
- Kyodo News
- Mainichi Shimbun
Despite the ongoing heavy rain and flooding in several prefectures, including Kumamoto, the average rainfall over the next few days is expected to exceed 100 to 200 mm in some localized spots, potentially reaching 300 mm, resulting in heightened risks of weather-related disasters such as floods, landslides, and mudslides. Residents in these areas should closely monitor the weather forecasts and follow any evacuation orders issued by local authorities.
