The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) on Saturday declared its highest-level landslide warning for the town of Yakushima, Kagoshima prefecture, following historic, record-shattering rainfall. Weather and geological monitoring officials warned that lives are in danger as the relentless storm continues.
In an official statement, the national monitoring authority highlighted that the downpour has been “unprecedented.” The agency stressed, “There is a very high possibility that some kind of disaster has already occurred in areas designated as landslide hazard zones,” reports Anadolu.
With the tempest showing no signs of relenting, local authorities have directed residents to take immediate self-preservation measures. Officials advised that if travelling to a designated evacuation centre poses too great a risk, residents must immediately relocate to an alternative building situated far from steep cliffs and flowing streams.
The JMA further cautioned that delaying evacuation while waiting for an official special warning often means it is too late to secure safety. Urging citizens to comply strictly with all directives from local authorities, the agency added, “To protect your own life and the lives of your loved ones, do not wait.”
