Economy & Tech

PHOTOS | Heavy Rain Batters Tohoku, First Priority to the Missing

Record-breaking rain has triggered floods and landslides in the region, with authorities urging vigilance as atmospheric conditions remain highly unstable.

Published

1 month ago

July 26, 2024

The Sankei Shimbun

A police car believed to have been swept away in Shinjo City, Yamagata Prefecture. Photo taken at 9:33 AM on July 26.(©Kyodo)

On July 24 and 25, Yamagata and Akita prefectures experienced heavy rain due to moist air moving toward the Meiyu front. This unprecedented rainfall has caused rivers to flood and landslides. As of July 26, there have been confirmed casualties, with at least four people reported missing. Among them are two police officers.

*The area around Furukuchi Station in Tozawa Village, Yamagata Prefecture in the morning of July 26. (Provided by the Ministry of Defense)*

In Yamagata Prefecture, a linear rainband developed, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to issue a special heavy rain warning for Sakata City and Yuza Town at 1:05 pm on July 25. This warning was downgraded to a regular warning at 8:10 pm the same day.

*A Japan Self-Defense Forces helicopter searches a flooded residential area in Tozawa Village, Yamagata Prefecture. Photo taken at 10:36 AM on July 26. (©Kyodo)*

Remain Vigilant

As of July 26, atmospheric conditions remain highly unstable from the Tohoku region to western Japan. Authorities are urging the public to stay vigilant for potential landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, and rising river levels.

*The Arase River at 7:23 AM on July 26 in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture. (©Kyodo)*

Although the warning has been downgraded, the JMA continues to advise following evacuation instructions from local authorities and prioritizing safety. Rain is expected to persist on the Japan Sea side of Tohoku until around July 30. Even if the rainfall appears to lessen, it may intensify again, increasing the risk of disasters. Residents should stay informed and take early protective measures.

*Flooded tracks of the Yuri Kogen Railway. Photo taken at 9:18 AM on July 26 in Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture. (©Kyodo)*

Casualties and Missing Persons

As of July 26, there have been confirmed casualties, with four people reported missing. In Shinjo City, Yamagata Prefecture, two police officers were swept away along with their vehicle. In Akita City, a man was carried away by the swollen river, bringing the total number of missing persons in Akita Prefecture to two.

*Yamagata Prefectural Police officers rescuing people stranded in a house in Funagata Town, Yamagata Prefecture, at around 6 AM on July 26. (Provided by the National Police Agency)*

According to Yamagata Prefectural Police, at around 11:45 pm on July 25, a report was received that a police car from Shinjo Police Station, which was responding to a rescue request, had been swept away near a bridge in Motoaikai, Shinjo City. The two missing officers, both in their twenties, include a sergeant and a senior officer. The area was heavily flooded at the time.

*A police car believed to have been swept away by a flood in Shinjo City, Yamagata Prefecture. Photo taken at 9:33 AM on July 26. (©Kyodo)*

Akita Prefectural Police stated that an 80-year-old man in Akita City was last in contact around 4 pm on July 25. His family reported him missing later that evening. The man's bicycle was found on the embankment of the swollen Omono River, and a helmet was seen floating near the floodgate. Additionally, another man was reported missing at a construction site in Yuzawa City on the morning of July 25.