Torrential rains cause flooding, mudslides, and travel disruptions in southern Japan
Heavy downpours swept across Kyushu, Japan’s southern main island, on Monday, triggering flooding and mudslides that injured several people and disrupted travel during the Buddhist “bon” holiday week. Authorities issued evacuation advisories, and multiple individuals were reported missing as rescue efforts continued.
A persistent low-pressure system has lingered over the region since last week, unleashing intense rainfall over Kagoshima Prefecture and northern Kyushu. The Japan Meteorological Agency initially issued its highest-level warning for Kumamoto Prefecture after recording more than 40 centimeters (15.7 inches) of rain in 24 hours, with further rain expected through Tuesday afternoon. Though the alert for Kumamoto was later downgraded as the storm moved east, a lower-level warning remained in place for western Japan, where up to 20 centimeters (7.8 inches) of rain were forecast by midday Tuesday.
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency said evacuation advisories have been issued to tens of thousands across Kumamoto and six surrounding prefectures. Defense forces were deployed to Kagoshima to deliver fresh water to residents in affected areas, according to Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi.
Rescue teams in Kumamoto were searching for three family members caught in a mudslide while driving to an evacuation center; two were rescued alive, but one remains missing. Additionally, two others were reported missing in the prefecture, with several more unaccounted for after falling into swollen rivers in Kumamoto and neighboring Fukuoka.
In Kamiamakusa city, about 20 people stranded at a campsite and in nearby residential areas awaited rescue, according to NHK. Television images showed muddy floodwaters rushing through streets, carrying debris and forcing residents to wade through knee-deep water.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba pledged government support for search and rescue efforts and urged residents to exercise extreme caution, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing their safety.
Travel disruptions were widespread as well. Bullet trains between Kagoshima and Hakata were suspended Monday morning, along with local train services. While some train operations resumed in Kyushu, heavy rain was beginning to affect western Japan.
Power outages hit around 6,000 households in Kumamoto, with nearly half restored by Monday afternoon. Last week’s torrential rains had already resulted in one person missing and four injured in Kagoshima Prefecture.
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