Heavy Rains Hit Southwestern Japan
Torrential rains have drenched southwestern Japan. Weather officials are warning of possible mudslides and flooding in the region.
The Meteorological Agency said damp air was flowing towards the rain front, creating unstable atmospheric conditions over northern Kyushu and bringing rain clouds into the area.
The agency said 181 millimeters of rain fell during a three-hour period to 6:50 a.m. in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture. That's a record for the city.
Officials issued evacuation orders to residents in the central and northern parts of Sasebo City due to the high risk of flooding.
The meteorological agency warns that in the 24 hours through Friday, up to 180 millimeters of rain is expected in northern Kyushu and 100 millimeters in the Chugoku region.
It also says that more than 30 millimeters of rain is expected in wide areas from the Hokuriku region to eastern Japan.
