In a shocking turn of events, three individuals have lost their lives due to severe flooding in southwest Japan, triggered by the most torrential rainfall ever experienced in the region. Three others have been reported missing.
Inundating parts of Kyushu Island, overflowing rivers and collapsing hillsides came as a result of unprecedented rainfall levels. Kurume city registered the highest recorded rainfall in its history on Monday, with a total of 402.5mm.
The catastrophic downpours led to disruption in transport and power supply, compelling thousands of people to evacuate amidst warnings of more rain to come. Satoshi Sugimoto, from the Japanese Meteorological Agency, characterized the rainfall as the “most severe ever seen” in the area.
Government spokesperson, Hirokazu Matsuno, disclosed to AFP news agency that the death toll might increase due to the flooding. Three individuals are still missing, particularly in the most isolated parts of the island. Matsuno expressed his sincere condolences to those who had lost their lives and empathy towards those affected by the disaster.
The deluge necessitated the issuance of evacuation orders for hundreds of thousands of residents, with some remote communities left virtually isolated due to the flooding and consequent damage.
Among the victims, an elderly woman was reported to have died after getting trapped in a mud-engulfed house in Soeda, Fukuoka province, as per local authorities. Her spouse survived the incident. Another casualty was reportedly swept away by a flooded river in Kurume while inside a car.
Japan is currently in the midst of its annual rainy season, often marked by heavy downpours which occasionally result in landslides, floods, and unfortunately, fatalities.
The record for the highest rainfall in a single day was previously set in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, on October 12, 2019, with 922.5mm of rain.
Scientists have warned that the risk of extreme rainfall events is being exacerbated by climate change, as a warmer atmosphere is capable of holding more water.
The weather agency reported continuous rainfall in the region for over a week before the devastating downpours started on Sunday night.
Despite the sunshine on Tuesday in several areas, authorities have warned of more rain, which might cause the already soaked ground to loosen further.
In the mountainous nation of Japan, heavy rainfall poses a significant threat of landslides, as many homes are situated on plains at the foot of hillsides.
