03 Jul 2019 | 06:48 AM UTC
Japan: Evacuations ordered in Kagoshima due to flood and mudslide risk July 3 /update 1
Officials order around 800,000 residents from three cities in Kagoshima prefecture to evacuate on July 3 amid ongoing heavy rains; more rain forecast through July 4
Event
Authorities issued evacuation orders for around 800,000 residents in the cities of Kagoshima, Kirishima, and Aira (Kagoshima prefecture) on Wednesday, July 3, as torrential rains continue in southern and western Japan. Around 310,000 people in Miyazaki prefecture also remain under evacuation advisories due to the significant risk of floods and mudslides. Kagoshima's governor announced on Wednesday that the Self-Defense Forces have been requested to assist with disaster relief in the prefecture. Some areas of southern Kyushu island have received up to 100 cm (39 in) of rain since Friday, June 28, and an additional 35 cm (14 in) may fall by midday on Thursday, July 4.
Mudslide and flood warnings remain in effect for parts of Kagoshima, Miyazaki, Kumamoto, Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Ehime, and Kochi prefectures as of July 3. Associated transportation and business disruptions, including possible rail and flight delays or cancelations, are anticipated in the affected areas in the coming days. Further evacuation orders may be issued on Thursday as heavy rains are forecast to continue.
Advice
Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, obey all instructions issued by the local authorities, anticipate transportation disruptions, including road closures and damaged infrastructure, and remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult.
