Heavy Rain Triggers Floods, Evacuations Across Southern Japan

Southern Japan's Kyushu region is experiencing unprecedented torrential rains causing floods, landslides, and forcing mass evacuations. Kagoshima Prefecture, particularly Kirishima and Aira cities, has been severely impacted, with emergency warnings at the highest level and over half a million people urged to evacuate due to life-threatening conditions. Mudslides have buried homes, with at least two people rescued alive and a woman missing, while swollen rivers and floodwaters have inundated streets and disrupted transportation including trains, buses, and flights. Authorities, including Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, have established emergency task forces and are urging residents to evacuate early and move to safer locations away from rivers and cliffs. The Japan Meteorological Agency attributes the extreme weather to warm, moist air feeding into a low-pressure system and expects continued heavy rain and thunderstorms through Sunday. Officials warn of risks including landslides, flooding, lightning, violent gusts, and potential tornadoes, emphasizing the urgent need for safety precautions.