Japan: Flooding and landslides in the west raise death toll to 200 /update 1

Event

Flooding and landslides in the west have killed at least 200 people with 60 people still unaccounted for, according to local authorities as of July 12, since heavy rain began to fall last Thursday; over 70,000 rescue personnel are still searching for missing people. In addition, approximately 6700 people remain in shelters after being displaced, a notable drop from the more than 30,000 people in shelters reported on Sunday, July 8. Meanwhile, high temperatures across the region - over 30°C (86°F) in some areas - have raised fears of heatstroke, disease, and other health concerns among residents recovering from the devastating rains. Ehime, Fukuoka, Gifu, Hiroshima, Hyogo, Kagoshima, Kochi, Kyoto, Okayama, Saga, Shiga, and Yamaguchi prefectures are among the hardest-hit areas.

Numerous transportation networks also remain severed as over 100 locations along the West Japan Railway Co. and more regional train lines have been damaged or submerged along with several roads and bridges; train services on affected lines are not expected to be restored for at least several days. Local authorities have warned of the possibility of further thunderstorms, which could trigger additional flooding and landslides in western Japan in the coming days.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid areas directly hit by flooding, prepare for lingering traffic disruptions, and adhere to any orders issued by the local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.