Tokyo, Aug 8 — The people of Kagoshima are facing a terrifying reality as relentless, record-breaking rains pound the southern Japanese region, prompting urgent evacuation orders and the cancellation of domestic flights.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued its highest-level heavy rain alert — a stark warning that “lives are at risk.” Officials say this is unlike anything Kagoshima has ever experienced.
In just 24 hours, parts of the region were drenched with more than 490 millimetres (19 inches) of rain — the heaviest downpour ever recorded there. The situation is so severe that residents are being told to evacuate immediately, even before official orders are issued.
“Please do not wait. Move now, to buildings away from rivers, cliffs, or any place prone to flooding,” urged a JMA official in a press conference, visibly concerned.
The land ministry has warned that rivers are dangerously close to overflowing, with the risk of levees being breached. In Kirishima city, authorities have already instructed residents to evacuate or take alternative safety measures.
The crisis comes on the heels of an intense heatwave across Japan, with some areas recording a scorching 41.8°C, adding yet another layer of stress to communities already stretched thin.
At Kagoshima Airport, heavy rains forced the cancellation of domestic flights, leaving passengers stranded. The atmosphere is tense, with rescue teams and local volunteers working tirelessly to ensure everyone’s safety.
In moments like this, it’s not just about weather — it’s about human lives, communities standing together, and the urgent reminder that nature’s force can change everything in an instant.
