TOKYO, Jul 16 (NNN-NHK) – Japan’s weather agency said today that, continuing heavy rain in the country’s north-east is causing extensive flooding and raising risks of landslides.
A landslide alert was issued to part of Akita, Iwate and Yamagata prefectures.
The city of Akita observed record rainfalls of 243 millimetres over a 48-hour period through 11 a.m. local time today, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The city and its surrounding area were flooded, after a river that runs through the city breached its banks.
The weather agency warned that, even after rain weakens or stops, overflowing water from smaller rivers will converge into a large river, posing threats to the region over the long haul.
Meanwhile, part of Nishiwaga Town in Iwate Prefecture was hit with 288 millimetres of rain in the 48-hour period, the heaviest since 2017, said the JMA.
Weather officials said, heavy rain is expected to continue, forecasting up to 60 millimetres of rain in north-eastern Japan, during the 24-hour period through Monday noon.– NNN-NHK
