Heavy Rain Triggers Flood, Landslide Warnings in Japan

Torrential rain swept across southwestern Japan on Sunday, prompting authorities to issue warnings over potential landslides, flooding, and overflowing rivers, particularly in the southern island region of Kyushu.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said linear rainbands had formed over Miyazaki Prefecture and Kagoshima Prefecture, significantly increasing the risk of weather-related disasters. Heavy rainfall is also expected to affect Shikoku, where precipitation could reach 300 millimetres within 24 hours.

Officials warned that unstable atmospheric conditions are likely to persist across western Japan, with thunderstorms and intense downpours forecast in several regions.

Meanwhile, the weather agency announced the start of the annual rainy season in the Tokai and Kanto-Koshin regions, including Tokyo, bringing further wet weather across central and eastern parts of the country in the coming days.