17 Jun 2022 | 01:39 PM UTC
Japan: Authorities issue evacuation orders in parts of southern Okinawa as of June 17 due to threat of landslides triggered by heavy rainfall
Authorities issue evacuation orders due to threat of landslides in parts of Okinawa, Japan, June 17. Transport disruptions likely.
Event
Authorities have issued evacuation orders across parts of southern Okinawa as of late June 17 due to a severe threat of landslides following heavy rainfall in the region. The evacuation orders have been issued for Oroki and Shuri districts in Naha City and the whole of Tomigusuku City and Nanjo City. The orders affected over 100,000 people in Naha City and 45,000 people in Nanjo City. Authorities have warned that the threat of landslides occurring is increasing in the areas under evacuation orders and people in landslide-prone areas are being advised to evacuate. Evacuation centers have been opened at the respective city halls in all three cities. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued purple emergency warnings (the second-highest level on a five-tier scale) for landslides and heavy rainfall for southern and central Okinawa through early June 18. Red heavy rainfall and flood warnings and yellow thunderstorm warnings have also been issued across the affected area. As well as landslides, the severe weather could see flooding and possible tornadoes impact the region.
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
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 airports in the region, including Naha Airport (OKA).
Authorities may temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts 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.
