Japan: Mudslide and flood warnings issued for southern areas July 1

Event

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued mudslide and flooding warnings for southern prefectures on Monday, July 1, following recent heavy rains. Mudslide warnings are in effect for parts of Kagoshima, Miyazaki, Kumamoto, and Ehime prefectures. Officials evacuated over 6000 residents in Ichikikushikino (Kagoshima prefecture) on Monday morning (local time) and another 960,000 people are under evacuation advisories. Some areas of Kagoshima prefecture received over 30 cm (12 in) of rainfall within the past 24 hours. Significant rainfall is forecast in Kyushu, Shikoku, and Kinki through Wednesday, July 3. Heavy rains, flooding, and landslides, along with associated transportation disruptions, are possible in the region in the coming hours and days.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, obey all instructions issued by the local authorities, anticipate transportation disruptions, including road closures and damaged infrastructure, and remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult.