Heavy rain in northern Japan triggers floods and landslides, forcing hundreds to take shelter
Heavy rain has hit northern Japan, triggering floods and landslides, disrupting transportation systems and sending hundreds of residents to take shelter at safer grounds
Heavy rain in northern Japan triggers floods and landslides, forcing hundreds to take shelter
Show all 3Your support helps us to tell the story
As your White House correspondent, I ask the tough questions and seek the answers that matter.
Your support enables me to be in the room, pressing for transparency and accountability. Without your contributions, we wouldn't have the resources to challenge those in power.
Your donation makes it possible for us to keep doing this important work, keeping you informed every step of the way to the November election
Andrew Feinberg
White House Correspondent
Heavy rain in the past week has triggered floods and landslides in Japan, disrupting transportation and forcing residents to take shelter on safer ground. Four people were missing Friday, including two police officers.
The rain had subsided in Yamagata and Akita prefectures Friday, but the area was still at risk of flooding and landslides. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida urged people to “put safety first.”
According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, one person was missing Thursday in Yuzawa city in Akita prefecture after being hit by a landslide at a road construction site. In Akita city, rescuers were searching for an 86-year-old man whose bicycle and helmet were found floating by a river, media reports said.
Rescue workers in Yokote city evacuated 11 people from a flooded area with the help of a boat.
In Shinjo city in Yamagata prefecture just south of Akita, two police officers were missing after reporting from a patrolling vehicle that they were being swept away by floodwaters. A police vehicle half filled with water was found by the swollen river, the agency said. Thirty-seven people were stranded at a flooded nursing home in the city.
More than 10 centimeters (4 inches) of rain fell in the hardest-hit Yuza and Sakata towns in Yamagata within an hour earlier Thursday.
Thousands of residents have been advised to take shelter at higher and safer grounds, but it was not immediately known how many people took that advice.
Yamagata Shinkansen bullet train services were still partially suspended Friday, according to East Japan Railway Company.
The Japan Meteorological Agency forecast up to 20 centimeters (8 inches) of more rainfall in the region through Friday evening, urging residents to remain cautious.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.