Torrential, unprecedented rainfall battering southern Japan unfolds as a new weather record
Record Breaking Rainfall Causes Flooding and Landslides in Southern Japan
Southern Japan, particularly the Kagoshima region, experienced record-breaking heavy rainfall from August 8 to 11, 2025. The extreme rainfall was caused by a stationary low-pressure front and multiple linear precipitation zones.
The heavy rainfall triggered severe flooding and landslides, raising landslide risks and prompting mass evacuations and emergency responses. Kagoshima Prefecture was hit the hardest, with heavy rain causing mudslides that buried homes, as in Aira city where two people were rescued from a landslide.
Over 360,000 people received evacuation advisories due to flood and landslide dangers. The area was hit by prolonged torrential rain from a persistent low-pressure system. Floodwaters rose significantly, blocking transportation (buses, trains, and flights) and impacting infrastructure.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued warning-level alerts for landslides and flooding throughout southern Kyushu including Kagoshima, urging residents to seek safety in sturdy buildings. The government established an emergency task force to coordinate disaster response and support residents.
Rainfall amounts reached up to 300 mm in 24 hours in parts of northern Kyushu, with Kagoshima among the areas experiencing severe rain saturation, overwhelming drainage systems and sharply increasing the risk of landslides.
The city of Kirishima, Kagoshima, experienced a record rainfall of 500mm in 24 hours through 5am, which is twice the average rainfall for the entire month of August. The flooding was captured on television footage, showing homes inundated with water.
Despite the easing of the downpour, the heavy rainfall in the Kagoshima region continues to be a concern. Authorities have issued evacuation orders in southern Japan due to potential landslides. Shuichi Tachihara, a JMA official, advised the public to remain vigilant and ensure their safety, despite the downgrade of the alert.
The JMA is urging the public to stay informed and follow any evacuation orders or safety instructions issued by local authorities. The JMA is working closely with local authorities to provide updates and guidance on the heavy rain situation in the Kagoshima region. They are also monitoring the situation closely to assess any potential risks or dangers.
The flooding in Kagoshima followed a period of intense heat in various regions of Japan. The record temperature of 41.8 degrees Celsius (107 Fahrenheit) was set in Japan this week. The JMA stated that the Kagoshima region is experiencing rainfall that it has never experienced before. However, the exact relationship between the heatwave and the heavy rainfall is still under investigation.
Arts were cancelled due to the weather-forecasting of continuous heavy rain and potential landslides in the Kagoshima region, as people were advised to seek safety.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) suggested that the heavy rainfall observed in the Kagoshima region might be influenced by changes in weather patterns, a topic they are currently investigating in relation to the recent heatwave.
