Heavy rains hit the southern Japanese island of Kyushu this morning, causing flooding and mudslides that forced locals to seek shelter. Authorities issued warnings of the highest level of danger in some parts of the region, reports the Associated Press, reports BTA.
In the city of Aira, Kagoshima Prefecture, a landslide swept away a house and buried two people. They were rescued alive and taken to hospital, Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency said.
The agency recommended evacuations for more than 360,000 people in Kagoshima and neighboring Miyazaki prefectures. Local television footage showed muddy water rushing into flooded rivers, and in the city of Kirishima, the water level in a shopping mall was knee-deep.
The torrential rains paralyzed transport, halting trains and buses, and dozens of flights to and from Kagoshima were canceled.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's government has set up an emergency response task force. "The government will do everything to protect your life and safety," he said.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has forecast continued heavy rain and thunderstorms on the island of Kyushu throughout the day, caused by a low pressure system. Authorities are warning of a growing risk of disaster and urging residents to take timely precautions.