Unprecedented Rains Hit Southern Japan, Prompting Evacuations

Heavy rain has severely impacted southern Japan’s Kagoshima region, leading the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to issue a special alert on August 8, 2023. The agency warned that “lives are at risk” due to the unprecedented deluge, which follows a recent spell of extreme heat, including a national record temperature of 41.8°C.

A JMA official described the rainfall in Kagoshima as “heavy rains that it has never experienced before.” The official urged residents to prioritize their safety by moving to buildings situated away from streams or cliffs and to those less susceptible to flooding. Dangerous conditions have already developed in some areas, necessitating immediate action.

The JMA’s warnings came alongside information from a land ministry official who highlighted the risk of rivers overflowing their banks. In one area of Kagoshima, over 490 millimeters of rain fell within 24 hours, marking the largest recorded downpour, according to Kyodo News.

Kirishima, a city located in Kagoshima, has advised residents to evacuate or take precautionary measures in light of the JMA’s special warning, which represents the highest level on its five-point scale. The city’s website indicated that “rivers are swelling, posing a risk of flooding, or flooding may have already occurred over the levees.”

In response to the severe weather, domestic flights at Kagoshima airport have been cancelled. The situation continues to evolve as authorities monitor the conditions and provide updates to the public.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and heed warnings as the region faces significant challenges from this extraordinary weather event.