Live cam image of the Midorikawa River in Kosa Town, Kumamoto Prefecture. The river overflowed its banks, due to heavy rains, on the morning of August 11. (Provided by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism)
Due to a low-pressure system and a stationary front, heavy rain continues to impact the Kyushu region on August 11. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued special heavy rain warnings just after midnight for Tamana City and Nagasu Town in Kumamoto Prefecture.
Later this morning, warnings were also issued for Yatsushiro City, Uki City, Hikawa Town, Kami-Amakusa City, and Amakusa City. Authorities warned that life-threatening danger is imminent and urged people to take the highest level of caution. Landslides and road flooding have been reported.
People Swept Away
According to the local fire department overseeing Fukutsu City in Fukuoka Prefecture and nearby areas, two people in their 60s, a man and a woman, were swept away by the flooding Saigo River around 5:25 PM on August 10. Firefighters and police are currently searching for them.
Early on August 11, a 119 emergency call reported that a person was swept away in the Sakai River in Tamana City, Kumamoto Prefecture. The local fire department confirmed that one person went missing and rescue teams are currently searching for them.
Flooding and Landslide Damage
In Kumamoto City, heavy rain has caused flooding on at least 21 roads. The Kumamoto Prefectural Police reported that during an evacuation in Kosa Town, a vehicle was caught in a landslide. Two children and their mother were rescued and are conscious, but the father is still missing.
Record Rainfall in Tamana
In Tamana City, rainfall exceeded 370 millimeters within six hours up to 2:20 AM on August 11. This amount is about twice the average rainfall for the entire month of August and the highest ever recorded there. During an early morning press conference, officials urged residents to "immediately secure their safety."
The agency also forecasts that the stationary front will remain from the Sea of Japan side of western Japan up to the Tohoku region through August 12. This will keep the atmosphere very unstable from western to northern Japan.
Rainfall forecasts for the 24 hours ending at 6 AM on August 12:
- Up to 250 millimeters in northern Kyushu
- 200 millimeters in Tokai and Shikoku
- 180 millimeters in Kinki
- 150 millimeters in Kanto-Koshin
- 120 millimeters in Hokuriku and southern Kyushu
- 100 millimeters in Chugoku
- 80 millimeters in Tohoku
During the 24 hours following 6 AM on August 12, 100 millimeters of rain are expected in Kanto-Koshin, Hokuriku, and Tokai regions.
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Author: The Sankei Shimbun
