Japan: Evacuation orders issued in southwest Japan August 28 /update 1

Event

The Japan Meteorology Agency (JMA) issued emergency weather warnings (the highest level on a five-tier scale) for Saga, Fukuoka, and Nagasaki prefectures on the morning (local time) of Wednesday, August 28. Heavy rainfall continued in the region on Wednesday morning, with over 12 cm (5 in) of rainfall reported in the cities of Saga and Taku in one hour. Rainfall totals of up to 20 cm (8 in) are forecast in northern Kyushu through 06:00 on Thursday, August 29. Evacuation orders where issued for over 470,000 people in the three prefectures. Another 730,000 people are under evacuation advisories in Saga, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, and Oita prefectures. Officials are advising residents in the affected areas to either immediately head to evacuation centers or move to safer locations in the building they are currently in if leaving is too dangerous.

Significant flooding, landslides, and mudslides are possible in the abovementioned prefectures. Associated transportation and business disruptions, including possible rail and flight delays or cancelations, are to be anticipated in affected areas over the coming hours and days. Further evacuation orders may be issued through Wednesday.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions prior to setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. It is important to note that walking or driving through floodwaters can be dangerous; 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult.