17 Aug 2021 | 02:10 AM UTC
Japan: Severe weather ongoing in southern and central regions as of Aug. 17 /update 4
Severe weather occurring in parts of southern and central Japan as of Aug. 17
Event
Heavy rains are ongoing in southern, western, and central areas of Japan as of Aug. 17. The Japan Meteorological Administration has issued the following warnings:
Purple (the second-highest level on a four-tier scale) warnings for landslides due to heavy rain: Most of Fukuoka, western Kagoshima, western and central Kumamoto, southern Nagasaki, and Saga prefectures.
Red warnings for heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides: Aichi, western Ehime, the rest of Fukuoka, Hiroshima, northern Ishikawa, western Kanagawa, the rest of Kagoshima, the rest of Kumamoto, western Miyazaki, Nagano, the rest of Nagasaki, northern Oita, the rest of Saga, Shiga, Tokushima, and northern Wakayama prefectures.
Yellow heavy rain, thunderstorms, flooding, and landslide advisories: The rest of the affected area.
Adverse weather will likely continue in the coming days; authorities may expand evacuation orders if weather conditions persist or worsen.
Through late Aug. 18, the low-pressure system is likely to bring at least 25 cm (10 inches) of rainfall to Kyushu as well as the Shikoku region, 20 cm (8 inches) of rainfall to the Chugoku and Tokai regions, 18 cm (7 inches) of rainfall to the Kinki Region, and 12 cm (4.5 inches) of rainfall to the Kanto and Koshin regions. The Shikoku and Tokai regions are forecast to have 10-20 cm (4-8 inches) and 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) of rainfall respectively from late Aug. 18 to late Aug. 19.
Authorities have ordered the evacuation of at least 2.25 million people from Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Hyogo, Kumamoto, Kyoto, Nagasaki, Nagano, Niigata, Oita, Osaka, Saga, and Yamaguchi prefectures. Several rivers have overflowed in worst-hit regions; Manose and Kaseda rivers in Kagoshima Prefecture are also in danger of flooding. Emergency crews have confirmed around 20 injuries. Additionally, landslides have killed at least four people, including three in Okaya City, Nagano Prefecture, and one in Unzen City, Nagasaki Prefecture, as of early Aug. 17. Reports also indicate damage to multiple structures and flooding of around 4,454 buildings. Officials will likely provide further updates on damage and casualties in the coming days.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides remain possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where the soil has become saturated by heavy rainfall. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Multiple railways and train lines in affected areas have experienced disruptions, with trains suspended or delayed due to heavy rain. Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Severe weather could also trigger flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the Philippine Sea, East China Sea, and the Sea of Japan if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
