5 Dead, 3 Missing after Heavy Rain Hits Japan

On Monday, heavy rains pounded parts of Japan's southwestern region, causing mudslides and rivers to flow and leaving at least five people dead and three others missing.

In response to the unprecedented weather conditions, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued its highest level of rain alert, marking the first instance this year, specifically for the neighboring Fukuoka and Oita prefectures. Urgent safety measures were urged for residents in these areas.

Tragically, in Soeda, Fukuoka, an elderly woman lost her life as she and her husband were trapped in their residence, swallowed by a landslide. Local authorities confirmed her demise, while her husband miraculously survived the harrowing ordeal.

Within Fukuoka prefecture, three additional fatalities were recorded, including an individual who was swept away by a torrential river while inside a vehicle in Kurume.

Moreover, mudslides impacted Karatsu in Saga Prefecture, causing damage to two houses. Despite rescue efforts, one woman was discovered without vital signs and pronounced deceased, while two men remain unaccounted for.

In Nakatsu, Oita, a woman in her 50s was reported missing after reportedly being swept into a river by the relentless current, as confirmed by local authorities.

The heavy downpour had severe ramifications on transportation systems as well. Bullet train services along the Sanyo Shinkansen line, between Hiroshima and Hakata stations, as well as on the Kyushu Shinkansen line, between Hakata and Kumamoto stations, were temporarily suspended.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met with Koichi Tani, his disaster management minister, at the premier's office to be briefed on the extent of damage due to the rain.