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
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.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.