Japan: Heavy rain prompts evacuation orders for western Japan July 21 /update 1

Event

Japanese authorities issued evacuation orders for tens of thousands of residents in western Japan on Sunday, July 21, due to the passing of Tropical Storm Danas off the west coast of Japan. Around 30 cm (12 in) of rain had fallen in 12 hours in western Kyushu and the Chugoku region of southwest Honshu, including 5 cm (2 in) of rain in one hour in some locations. Authorities issued landslide alerts for Fukuoka, Saga, Oita, Miyazaki, and Hiroshima prefectures. Flooding, landslides, power outages, and transportation disruptions, including train delays and road closures, are possible.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, and remember that running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.