Torrential rains are swamping parts of Japan. The extreme wet weather has moved into the central and eastern part of the country, after causing widespread damage in the southwestern region of Kyushu. More than 55 people have died, and over 15 others are missing.
The Meteorological Agency has switched a heavy rain emergency warning for Gifu and Nagano prefectures to a warning. But officials are telling residents to stay vigilant as the water is still rising in local rivers.
The heavy rain that's been swamping the southwestern region of Kyushu has now extended into the central and eastern part of the country. The Meteorological Agency has switched a heavy rain emergency warning for Gifu and Nagano prefectures to a warning. But officials are telling residents to continue to watch out as the water is still rising in local rivers.
The areas are experiencing rainfall that hasn't been seen in several decades. Officials say the average rainfall for the month of July has already been exceeded.
The torrential rain swamping Kyushu has now hit central and eastern parts of the Japanese archipelago. Japan's Meteorological Agency has issued a heavy rain emergency warning for parts of Gifu and Nagano prefectures. The warning is the highest level of alert on the agency's scale. The areas are experiencing rainfall that hasn't been seen in several decades.
Nakamoto Yoshihisa at the Japan Meteorological Agency told reporters, "Cities and towns that have issued emergency warnings are experiencing unprecedented heavy rain. It's highly likely that some kind of disaster, such as landslides or flooding, has already occurred in landslide disaster caution zones and flood forecast zones. The situation is equivalent to the highest alert level 5. It is high time for people in affected areas be on alert and take every measure to protect their lives."
The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a heavy rain emergency warning for parts of Gifu and Nagano prefectures in the central part of the country. The warning is the highest level of alert on the agency's scale.
The areas are experiencing rainfall that has not been seen in several decades. Agency officials say serious damage from flooding and landslides is likely.