Has Japan issued a heavy rain emergency warning for Kumamoto?
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Synopsis
Japan's weather agency has raised alarms with a heavy rain emergency for Kumamoto, heightening disaster risks. With reports of missing individuals and record rainfall in nearby areas, residents are urged to prioritize safety. Stay informed as we delve into the unfolding situation and its implications on communities.
Key Takeaways
- Heavy rain emergency declared in Kumamoto.
- Multiple areas at risk of landslides and flooding.
- Record rain reported in Kirishima, Kagoshima.
- Residents advised to prioritize safety.
- Several individuals reported missing.
Tokyo, Aug 11 (NationPress) Japan's meteorological agency has issued a heavy rain emergency warning for the southwestern prefecture of Kumamoto on Monday morning, urging residents to exercise maximum caution as the potential for disasters increases rapidly.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) included Amakusa City in the highest level of heavy rain warnings at 9:15 a.m. local time. Alerts are already active for Tamana, Uki, Yatsushiro, and Kami-Amakusa, along with the towns of Nagasu and Hikawa within the prefecture.
Weather officials have advised individuals in the warned areas to prioritize their safety immediately, emphasizing that those in landslide-prone regions should be especially vigilant.
Reports indicate that at least four individuals are missing as torrential rain continues to affect the southwestern region of Kyushu, resulting in landslides and extensive flooding, according to the Xinhua news agency, citing public broadcaster NHK.
In Kumamoto, one person was swept away by a river in Tamana City early Monday, while another man remains missing following a landslide in Kosa Town.
In Fukuoka Prefecture, officials reported that a man and a woman in their 60s were swept away in a river and are currently unaccounted for.
Authorities are cautioning residents to stay alert, as perilous conditions may already exist in affected regions.
Additionally, heavy rain continues to batter the city of Kirishima in Kagoshima Prefecture, where a record-breaking 107.5 mm of rain fell in just one hour up to 3 a.m. local time on Friday, with a 12-hour total exceeding 480 mm, roughly 1.8 times higher than the city's average for August.
Point of View
It's vital to highlight the urgency of the situation in Kumamoto, where severe weather conditions pose significant risks to residents. Our coverage aims to inform the public and provide essential safety guidelines during this challenging time.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas in Kumamoto are under heavy rain warnings?
Amakusa City, Tamana, Uki, Yatsushiro, Kami-Amakusa, Nagasu, and Hikawa are currently under heavy rain warnings.
What safety measures should residents take?
Residents are urged to secure their safety immediately, especially those in landslide-prone areas.
What are the reported impacts of the heavy rain?
The heavy rain has caused landslides, flooding, and reports of missing persons in the affected areas.
How much rain has fallen in Kirishima?
Record rainfall of 107.5 mm was reported in just one hour, with a total exceeding 480 mm over 12 hours.
What should people do if they encounter dangerous conditions?
It is essential for individuals to remain alert and prioritize their safety in the face of potentially dangerous conditions.
