17 Jul 2023 | 04:32 AM UTC
Japan: Disruptions due to flooding across Akita Prefecture as of July 17
Disruptions due to flooding across Akita Prefecture, Japan, as of July 17. Evacuations ongoing.
Event
Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across Akita Prefecture as of July 17. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued orange (middle level on a three-tier scale) heavy rain and landslide warnings and yellow flood advisories across the prefecture. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions develop over the coming days. Storms may be accompanied by strong wind gusts, lightning, hail, and possible tornadoes. Heavy downpours could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and landslides on unstable slopes. Strong winds may cause property damage and power outages.
Disruptions are ongoing due to severe weather in recent days. The heavy downpours have caused many rivers to reach dangerous levels and landslides and flooding have caused widespread transportation disruptions in affected areas. Authorities are maintaining evacuation orders for Akita, Daisen, Noshiro, and Oga cities and Fujisato, Gojome, and Hachirogata towns. The Babame and Uchikawa rivers overflowed and flooded Gojome Town July 15; one person died due to heavy rain, around 489 houses are flooded, and almost all of the town is without water. Flooding has also damaged numerous houses in Akita City and Mitane Town.
Due to heavy rainfall, JR East has suspended the Akita Shinkansen between Morioka and Akita stations July 17-18. National Route 101 in Fukaura Town, Aomori Prefecture was temporarily closed July 15 due to landslides; authorities reopened the road July 16.
Four people in Akita City suffered minor injuries due to a landslide. Authorities in Akita City have requested residents to refrain from washing and bathing water as much as possible due to the deterioration of the flow of sewage systems throughout the city from heavy rainfall. Reports indicate disruptions to water supply to around 165 houses in the Nibetsu and Yamauchi districts in Akita City, while water supply to about 3,600 houses in Oga City is cut off due to a broken water pipe in the Funagawa area caused by a landslide.
Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also likely in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are likely in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil.
Authorities could issue additional evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are likely where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows will likely 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 affected areas. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions will likely occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, 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.
