Yamagata Pref. On Alert After River Overflows
Japanese weather officials are urging people in Yamagata Prefecture to ensure their safety after torrential rain caused the Mogami River to overflow.
The Meteorological Agency says unstable atmospheric conditions brought record-level rainfall to parts of the prefecture on Tuesday.
The river overflowed its banks between late Tuesday and early Wednesday.
The agency and the land ministry are calling on residents to exercise maximum caution and check evacuation information from local authorities.
Flood risks are extremely high in other places along the river.
If flooding has already begun, people are advised to seek shelter in sturdy buildings nearby or the upper floors of their home.
Even in areas where rivers have not broken their banks, people must not lower their guard because water levels may rise, causing flooding.
A mudslide alert has been issued to parts of Yamagata Prefecture.
Elsewhere, thunderstorms are forecast in wide areas from western Japan to Tohoku on Wednesday. Localized downpours are likely in northern Kyushu.
The Meteorological Agency is urging people to stay on the alert for mudslides, swollen rivers, lightning strikes and gusty winds.
