13 Jul 2022 | 06:37 AM UTC
Japan: Flooding and disruptions ongoing across eastern region due to heavy rainfall; evacuations ongoing
Flooding and disruptions ongoing across eastern Japan due to heavy rainfall; evacuations ongoing. Further rainfall possible.
Event
Flooding and disruptions are ongoing across eastern Japan due to heavy rainfall. As of the afternoon of July 13, the Japan Meteorological Administration has issued purple (highest level on a three-tier scale) heavy rain and landslide warnings across Miyagi and central Fukushima prefectures through at least July 13. Orange heavy rain and landslide warnings are in place across eastern Fukushima and southern Yamagata prefectures while yellow heavy rain, thunderstorm, and flood advisories are in effect across the rest of the affected area. Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update existing advisories in the coming hours.
Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture has issued evacuation orders for residents in Izumi Ward upstream of Nanakita Park, affecting 12,268 people from 5,864 households due to the risk of flooding along the Nanakita River. Evacuation orders are also in place for the elderly and disabled in Aiko District in Aoba Ward, Akiudori District in Taihaku Ward, and along the mountains in Izumi Ward. Officials may issue additional evacuation orders if weather conditions persist or worsen.
Reports indicate that a person was injured in Hatoyama Town, Saitama Prefecture due to hypothermia. Damage from multiple landslides has been confirmed in Hatoyama and Tokigawa towns, including at least five damaged houses in Tokigawa Town. The Kuzugawa and Iimori rivers through Sakado City and the Tsukumo River through Higashimatsuyama City have overflowed. Authorities have confirmed that at least 31 houses across the prefecture have been damaged by floodwaters. Two bridges over the Hato River in Akanuma, Hatoyama Town have also been damaged.
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.
