Japan: Death toll rises as deadly floods continue in southern Japan /update 4

Event

As of Sunday, July 9, the death toll has risen to 18 killed in southern Japan as a result of flooding brought on by Tropical Cyclone Nanmadol, which made landfall on Japan’s southernmost island Kyushu on July 4. Officials have said that 27 people remain missing, and at least 400,000 others have been forced to flee from their homes. Some 12,000 police, military, and rescue personnel have been deployed to affected areas, and continue their search for survivors.

As of July 8 the Japan Meteorological Agency continues to issue heavy rain, flooding, and mudslide warnings for the central prefuctures of Okayama and Hiroshima, as well as for the southern prefectures of Yamaguchi, Oita, Kumamoto, Saga, and Nagaski. Fukuoka and Oita prefectures, both largely rural areas, have been the worst-hit by the rain so far, where several areas are threatened by collapsing hillsides.

Context

The Japanese archipelago is strongly affected by the annual Pacific Typhoon season, which runs from May to October with a peak of storms in August and September.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to follow local weather forecasts and to adhere to any advice issued by the regional authorities (e.g. potential evacuation orders). In the event of flooding, keep in mind that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products.