Heavy Rain Triggers Alert in Southwestern Japan, Disrupting Travel and Prompting Rescue Efforts

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a special heavy rain warning early Friday morning for Kirishima, Kagoshima Prefecture, located in southwestern Japan. This alert, the first of its kind this year, was issued due to the potential for life-threatening situations. Residents were strongly advised to be vigilant against landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, and overflowing rivers. The warning was later downgraded to a regular warning in the afternoon.

The heavy rain is expected to persist throughout the Kyushu region, including Kagoshima, until Sunday. Local authorities in Kirishima reported severed road links, isolating several communities. This included dozens of people stranded at a trailer campground.

In the neighboring city of Aira, two individuals were hospitalized, and rescue teams were searching for a third person after a house collapsed. Firefighters confirmed that the two transported to the hospital were conscious.

Train services were also affected. JR Kyushu suspended some local train routes in the area starting from the first service of the day.

Kirishima experienced record-breaking rainfall. One area recorded 107.5 millimeters of rain in a single hour, the highest amount ever recorded at that location. The total rainfall over a 12-hour period exceeded 480 mm, which is approximately 1.8 times the city's average rainfall for the month of August.

The weather agency emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant, as dangerous conditions may already be present in the affected areas.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba addressed reporters in Tokyo, stating that the government would implement all necessary measures to respond to the situation. This includes providing information, supporting evacuations, and conducting rescue operations.