Tokyo, Japan — Heavy rain lashed western Japan on Saturday, prompting authorities to warn residents of landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, swollen rivers, and severe weather as a seasonal rain front stalled over the region.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), warm, moisture-laden air fueled intense rain clouds over northern Kyushu on Saturday morning. The rain system is expected to move eastward while the seasonal front remains over western Japan, bringing further heavy rainfall to the region as well as the Tokai area in central Japan through Monday.
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Weather officials warned that saturated ground from recent downpours has significantly increased the risk of landslides, particularly in northern Kyushu. Residents were also advised to remain alert for flooding, river overflows, lightning, and strong winds, including possible tornadoes.
Earlier this week, linear rain bands developed across parts of Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Oita, and Kumamoto prefectures, triggering emergency weather alerts. Authorities reported flooding along the Chikugo River near Oguni Town in Kumamoto Prefecture, while multiple landslides were reported across Kyushu.
Heavy rainfall continued across southern and central Japan, with Kirishima City in Kagoshima Prefecture recording 46 millimeters of rain in one hour. Iida City in Nagano Prefecture received 33 millimeters, while Kameyama City in Mie Prefecture recorded 31 millimeters during the same period.
The JMA expects heavy rain to extend into the Pacific side of Shikoku and continue across the Kinki, Tokai, and Kanto-Koshin regions. Authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant and follow evacuation advisories where necessary as the threat of flooding and landslides remains high.
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