NHK



 

The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a heavy rain emergency warning for 5 cities and 2 towns in Kumamoto Prefecture.

A heavy rain emergency warning is in effect for the cities of Tamana, Uki, Yatsushiro, Kamiamakusa and Amakusa and the towns of Nagasu and Hikawa.

The JMA says warm, moist air flowing into a front is bringing record precipitation to the prefecture. Bands of heavy rain clouds over Kumamoto triggered a warning of severe downpours.



The JMA advised people to exercise utmost caution


The agency held a press conference earlier on Monday and advised people to exercise utmost caution. An official urged people in areas covered by the warning to immediately secure their safety. He added that people in landslide warning areas should be on the highest alert.

He said: "if you feel that evacuating to designated shelters is unsafe, move to a place away from streams and cliffs, or head to tall buildings that are unlikely to be flooded. Even in places not usually prone to disasters, maximum caution is required."

The JMA has called on people to act swiftly and do all they can to protect themselves.

The agency says heavy rain clouds could continue to develop over Kumamoto in the afternoon. It warns that the risk of disaster could rise quickly.

The agency also says a low pressure system is expected to bring rain to eastern and northern Japan through Tuesday.