Torrential Rain Unleashes Floods and Landslides, Forcing Evacuations and Disrupting Daily Life

Torrential rain battered the southern Japanese island of Kyushu on Friday, leading to widespread flooding and landslides. The severe weather prompted authorities to issue the highest-level warnings in certain areas of the region. Residents were forced to seek shelter as the situation deteriorated.

A mudslide struck a house in Aira city, Kagoshima prefecture, trapping two individuals. Fortunately, they were rescued alive and transported to a hospital for medical attention. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported on the incident.

Evacuation advisories were issued to over 360,000 people residing in Kagoshima prefecture and the adjacent Miyazaki prefecture. Television broadcasts displayed the dramatic scenes of muddy water surging through swollen rivers. In Kirishima city, floodwaters reached knee-level within a shopping mall.

The heavy rainfall caused significant disruption to local transportation networks. Train and bus services were suspended, and numerous flights in and out of Kagoshima were canceled.

The government, under Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, established a task force to manage the emergency response and provide support. The Prime Minister assured the public that the government was committed to safeguarding their lives and safety.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) forecasted continued heavy rainfall and thunderstorms throughout Friday in Kyushu, attributing the weather pattern to a low-pressure system. JMA official Shuichi Tachihara, during a televised news conference, cautioned about the increasing risk of disaster and strongly advised residents in the affected areas to take immediate precautions.