Heavy rain in northern Japan

Record heavy rain has caused severe flooding and landslides in northern Japan, particularly affecting Yamagata and Akita prefectures. Authorities have issued evacuation advisories to over 200,000 residents, with at least 4,000 people taking refuge in shelters. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that two areas recorded the highest rainfall since records began in 1976, prompting emergency alerts for potential landslides and flooding. One person has been confirmed dead, and several others are missing, including two police officers involved in rescue efforts. Transportation has been severely disrupted, with Shinkansen bullet train services suspended and many roads closed. Continued rainfall is expected, with predictions of an additional 100 to 200 millimeters over the next few days.