12 Jul 2022 | 07:50 AM UTC
Japan: Evacuations ordered in Kyoto Prefecture as of the afternoon of July 12 due to the risk of flooding and landslides
Evacuations ordered in Kyoto Prefecture, Japan, as of afternoon of July 12 due to the risk of flooding and landslides following heavy rains.
Event
Authorities have ordered evacuations in Kyoto Prefecture as of the afternoon of July 12 due to the risk of flooding following heavy rain. The Japan Meteorological Administration has issued orange (middle on a three-tier scale) heavy rain and landslide warnings across northern Kyoto Prefecture through at least July 12. Yellow heavy rain, flood, and thunderstorm advisories are in place across the rest of the prefecture. Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update existing advisories in the coming hours.
Ayabe City has issued evacuation orders for the elderly and disabled, affecting 31,909 people from 15,371 households. Officials may issue additional evacuation orders if weather conditions persist or worsen.
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.
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.
