07 Jul 2018 | 05:08 AM UTC
Japan: Heavy rains leave at least 11 dead in Japan as of July 7 /update 5
Heavy rains affect much of Japan, leaving at least 11 dead and 45 others missing as of July 7; over 1.6 million people ordered to evacuate from homes
Event
Heavy rains have inundated much of central and western Japan, causing landslides and leaving at least 11 people dead and 45 others missing as of Saturday, July 7. As of Saturday morning (local time), over 1.6 million people had been instructed to evacuate their homes; transportation disruptions have been reported, and have especially affected the island of Kyushu.
Further rainfall is forecast to hit already-saturated areas of the country into Sunday, July 8. The Japan Meteorological Agency has accordingly issued heavy rain warnings for prefectures on the islands of Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu. Consequent flooding and additional landslides and transportation disruptions are expected in affected areas, particularly near swollen rivers, in the coming hours and days.
Advice
Individuals present in or traveling to Japan are advised to monitor weather conditions, be prepared for transportation disruptions, and obey any instructions issued by the local authorities (i.e. evacuation orders). Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock an adult over.
