Japan: Further adverse weather forecast for Kyushu, Shikoku, and Honshu islands through July 8 /update 4

Event

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has forecast further adverse weather forecasts for Kyushu, Shikoku, and Honshu islands through Wednesday, July 8. Advisories (second-highest level on a five-tier scale) have been issued for landslides in Kumamoto, Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures (all Kyushu island). Heavy rain and flood warnings (third-highest) have been re-issued for Oita (Kyushu), Ehime (Shikoku island), Aichi, Gifu, Nagano and Shizuoka (all Honshu island) prefectures. Evacuation orders are also in place for the worst-affected areas of Kumamoto, Kagoshima and Miyazaki.

At least 34 people have been confirmed or presumed dead in southern Japan, with most victims being residents of elderly home facilities in Kuma Village (Kumamoto prefecture). Thousands of security and rescue personnel have been deployed to conduct search and rescue operations in affected areas. 

Disruptions to travel and utilities are to be anticipated in the coming days as a result of the adverse weather.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, anticipate transportation disruptions, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions before setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. Avoid walking or driving through floodwaters.