Japan: Evacuation advisory in Hamamatsu June 21 (rain)

Event

An evacuation advisory was issued on Wednesday, June 21, for around 300,000 residents of the city of Hamamatsu (Shizuoka prefecture) after the Japan Meteorological Agency warned of possible flooding and landslides due to very heavy rain. Water levels of the Tsuribashi River have reached dangerous levels, with the river at risk of breaching its banks.

The amount of rainfall recorded on Wednesday has so far exceeded 20 cm (8 in) in Shizuoka prefecture, 25 cm (10 in) in Mie prefecture, and 40 cm (15 in) in Wakayama prefecture.

The capital Tokyo is also at risk of intense rain, with 4 cm (1.5 in) of precipitation forecast over the next few days, accompanied by strong wind gusts.

Advice

Individuals present in the abovementioned prefectures are advised to follow all instructions as issued by local authorities (e.g. evacuation orders) and to avoid hilly areas or slopes as landslides may occur; avoid coastal areas (and other natural bodies of water) due to the risk of flooding. Keep in mind that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.