BTN News: Heavy rains hit northern Japan on Thursday, causing floods and landslides. The rain disrupted transport systems and forced many people to leave their homes for safer places.
Japan’s weather agency issued warnings for heavy rain in Yamagata and Akita prefectures. These warnings stressed how serious the situation was and told people to be careful. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also told people to stay safe and follow the latest information from officials.
The rain had a big impact on daily life. In Yuzawa, a city in Akita Prefecture, one person went missing after a landslide hit a construction site. Rescue teams in Yuzawa saved 11 people from flooded areas using boats. This showed how urgent the situation was.
Yamagata Prefecture saw some of the worst rain. More than 10 centimeters (4 inches) of rain fell in just one hour on Thursday in the towns of Yuza and Sakata. This heavy rain caused a lot of damage and problems. Officials in the area told thousands of residents to move to higher and safer ground. But it is not clear how many people did so.
The rain also disrupted transport. The Shinkansen bullet train services in Yamagata were partly stopped on Thursday, according to the East Japan Railway Company. This added to the problems faced by people in the region.
The weather agency said up to 20 centimeters (8 inches) more rain could fall by Friday afternoon. This means there is still a risk of more floods and landslides. People have been told to stay alert and keep safe.
As northern Japan deals with these tough conditions, the help and support of the community are very important. The quick actions of emergency services and advice from officials are key to reducing the damage. The next few days may bring more challenges, but with care and readiness, the region can get through this crisis.
