Japan raises alert level to “5” in Fukui following record rainfall and landslides.

Japan Issues Special Rainfall Warning in Fukui

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a special warning today for heavy rainfall in Fukui Prefecture, located in central Japan. The region experienced record rainfall, exceeding 300 millimeters in just 24 hours. This extreme weather has led to landslides, rising river levels, and flooding of homes and roads.

Alert Level Raised to Maximum

In response to the severe conditions, the JMA elevated the warning level to Level 5, the highest on its scale, for the cities of Fukui, Ono, and Katsuyama. Authorities warned residents of potential disasters or imminent threats. Later, the agency downgraded the alert to Level 4, which calls for evacuations in high-risk areas.

Evacuations Affect Thousands

Authorities urged approximately 244,000 individuals to take emergency safety measures. Additionally, they requested 111,000 residents in five municipalities to evacuate their homes as heavy rains continued to fall.

Flooding and Vehicle Disruptions

Cities such as Katsuyama, Sakai, and Fukui recorded unprecedented rainfall, resulting in:

• Rising river levels
• Flooding of homes and roads
• Vehicle disruptions due to inundation

Continued Heavy Rainfall Expected

The JMA forecasts that heavy rainfall will persist across large areas from western to eastern Japan. Rainfall amounts could reach up to:

• 120 millimeters in the Hokuriku region
• 80 millimeters in the Chugoku region

Residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols as the situation develops.

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