Japan: Heavy rain warnings issued in central and eastern areas October 25-26

Event

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued heavy rain warnings and advisories for most central and eastern prefectures from Friday, October 25, through Saturday, October 26, as a low pressure system moves through the region. Heavy rain and landslide warnings are in effect for parts of Mie, Shiga, Aichi, Nagano, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba prefectures as of 09:30 (local time) on Friday. The situation may be exacerbated in areas that were hit by Typhoon Hagibis earlier in the month.

Associated power outages and disruptions to transportation and business services are possible in areas forecast to be affected by the system over the coming hours and days.

Context

Rescue and recovery operations are still ongoing following the passage of Typhoon Hagibis as the death toll reaches 86 people as of October 24, with a further eight individuals still missing. Over 72,000 homes were flooded by the storm and another 6500 were destroyed or partially damaged.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, confirm road conditions before setting out, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, and remember that running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.