Heavy rainfalls struck Japan: Massive evacuations and fear for landslides

2 people were reported dead and 847,000 more were evacuated after heavy rainfalls triggered floods in Japan.

The torrential rains struck southwestern Japan on August 28, 2019. Authorities issued a level 5 alert, the highest rank that exists, but later the warning was reduced at level 4. Extreme precipitation, more than 10 centimeters within an hour in some regions, has caused rivers to overflow. According to officials, the phenomenon will last for at least one more day. "We are seeing unprecedented levels of heavy rains in cities where we issued special warnings," a spokesman for the Japan Meteorological Agency stated.

Yasushi Kajiwara, an official from Japan weather agency, urged people to comply with the guidelines and act rapidly as the conditions are deteriorating. "It is a situation where you should do your best to protect your lives," he stated. 

The floods have destroyed vehicles and caused severe damage in infrastructure. Unfortunately, 2 men died in their cars which were swept away by the water flow.

Authorities are also concerned about potential landslides. Some have already been reported in Takeo, a city located 75 kilometers north of Nagasaki. "There are many reports of damage in different areas due to flooding of rivers, landslides, and submerged houses, and there is a possibility of serious damage occurring in the coming hours," Yoshihide Suga, Government spokesman, said.

The public transportation was also highly affected. Japan's National Railway Operator announced that train schedules were delayed or postponed on many lines in the damaged area.

After a request from the Saga district, the government granted about 14,000 soldiers from the Japanese Defense Forces to assist the evacuation procedures.

The situation is handled attentively after last year's rainfall disaster in Japan that resulted in more than 200 fatalities.