TOKYO: Record-breaking heavy rain has forced the evacuation of thousands in northern Japan and killed at least two deaths, as rivers overflowed, washing away bridges and vehicles, officials and media reported on Friday.
Among the casualties is a rescuer in Yamagata and Akita prefectures on the main island of Honshu. Two other persons, including another rescuer, are still missing.
In Yamagata, two rivers burst their banks, leading to the death of a police officer in his 20s who was found submerged while searching for a missing person, according to a local police spokesman. Another officer involved in the search remains unaccounted for.
In the northern Akita region, authorities discovered one body, believed to be an 86-year-old man previously reported missing. Additionally, a man in his 60s is missing after a landslide at roadworks in Yuzawa city, Akita.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that Yamagata prefecture experienced the heaviest rainfall in 24 hours since records began in 1976. Shinjo recorded 389 millimeters (15 inches) of rain, while Sakata saw 289 millimeters.
Footage showed torrents of brown water sweeping away several vehicles, including a police car.
Authorities issued evacuation advisories to over 200,000 people, according to the fire and disaster management agency. As of Friday afternoon, at least 2,000 people had taken refuge in shelters in Yamagata, NHK reported.
Power outages affected around 3,060 households, and 1,100 homes were left without running water. Some motorways were closed, and Shinkansen bullet trains suspended operations, as stated by government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi.
The military has been deployed to Yamagata to assist with rescue efforts alongside police and fire department officials.
This week, Japan’s weather agency issued its highest emergency alert for heavy rain in Sakata and Yuza in Yamagata prefecture. Although the alert was later downgraded by one level, the JMA continues to urge the public to remain vigilant for potential landslides and flooding.
The agency forecasts an additional 100 to 200 millimeters of rain per day over the next three days.
