Western Japan is experiencing heavy rainfall, leading to overflowing rivers and severe flooding. As continuous downpours persist, at least one person has been reported dead, and several others remain missing, NHK reports.
Kumamoto Prefecture has been severely affected, with two rivers surpassing flood-risk levels on Monday morning. Evacuation orders have been issued for Kumamoto and neighboring prefectures in the Kyushu region.
The intensity of the flooding was evident as a bridge collapsed under the force of the rushing water, and nearby areas have been submerged, reaching residential homes. Additionally, significant damage has been reported, including the collapse of the main hall of a temple due to landslides and flooding that uprooted trees and utility poles.
Over the past four days, some areas have already recorded over 600mm of rainfall, exceeding the average monthly precipitation for July. The weather front responsible for the heavy rain is expected to remain stationary over southern Kyushu, bringing further rainfall. Weather officials have issued warnings for up to 300mm of additional rain within the next 24 hours, increasing the risks of floods, landslides, lightning strikes, and strong winds.
Japan is now in its rainy season, known as tsuyu (梅雨), which occurs in early summer and affects most parts of the country. It lasts from the beginning of June to mid-July in most areas, with Okinawa experiencing it about a month earlier.
Hokkaido and the Ogasawara Islands are less affected. During this season, it doesn't rain every day, and the probability of rain in Tokyo is 45%, with a 27% chance of sunny weather. Half of the rainy days have light rain, while the other half experience more significant rainfall.
Comments (0)