Japan: Devastating floods in south July 4-6 (two killed) /update 2

Event

As of Thursday, July 6, at least two people have been killed in southern Japan due to flooding brought on by Tropical Cyclone Nanmadol, which made landfall on Japan’s southernmost island Kyushu on July 4; 18 other people have been reported missing. At least 400,000 people have been forced from their homes; 7500 police, military, and rescue personnel have been deployed to affected areas.

As of 20:30 (local time) on July 6, the Japan Meteorological Agency was issuing heavy rain, flooding, and mudslide warnings for the central prefecture of Nagano and for the southern prefectures of Oita, Kukamoto, Saga, Nagasaki, and Fukuoka. Fukuoka and Oita prefectures, both largely rural areas, have been the worst-hit by the rain so far. Landslides have been reported in several areas.

Torrential rain and strong winds are likely to continue impacting southern Japan through the end of the week. The  storm has now exited into the Pacific Ocean.

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.