Japan Weather Officials Warn Of Heavy Rainfall In Aomori, Akita
Weather officials are warning of heavy downpours in northeastern Japan's Aomori and Akita prefectures. They say the risks of life-threatening landslides and floods are rapidly rising.
The Meteorological Agency says that a front accompanied by a low pressure system near northern Japan is making atmospheric conditions unstable in the Tohoku region.
Officials say rainfall is intensifying, especially in Aomori and Akita prefectures. They say they confirmed the formation of bands of active rain clouds.
They issued a warning of extremely heavy rains for the Tsugaru district in Aomori shortly before 8 a.m. on Wednesday, and for coastal and inland areas of Akita at around 8:30 a.m.
A radar analysis indicates that about 110 millimeters of rain fell in the hour to 8 a.m. near Fukaura Town in Aomori, and 100 millimeters fell during the same period around Happo Town in Akita.
Landslide alerts have been issued for parts of Aomori, Iwate and Akita prefectures. Some rivers in Aomori have exceeded the flood danger level.
Officials are urging people to act to save their lives, such as by moving to a sturdy building nearby or to a room on the second floor or higher.
In the 24 hours through Thursday morning, up to 180 millimeters of rain is expected in the Tohoku region, and up to 150 millimeters may fall in Niigata Prefecture.
In the 24 hours through Friday morning, 50 to 100 millimeters of rain is expected in Niigata Prefecture and the Hokuriku region.
Officials are also calling for vigilance against landslides, flooding in low-lying areas and swollen rivers in other parts of the Tohoku region, as well as in the Hokuriku region and Niigata Prefecture.