Highest alert level raised in the southern island of Kyushu. Since early July, floods have killed 155 people. Weather agency official urges people “to protect your lives" and “don't wait".
Tokyo (AsiaNews/Agencies) – At least two people lost their life today because of torrential rains that have killed more than 150 people over the past two months.
The torrential rains that have been pouring since early July triggering floods and landslides, forcing the authorities to order more than 900,000 people to leave their homes in south-west Japan. This is the worst flooding to hit Japan in the last 30 years with at least 155 fatalities.
More than twice the usual rainfall for the whole of August has fallen over parts of the southern island of Kyushu over the past 48 hours, washing away roads, causing rivers to burst their banks and forcing the suspension of train services.
Today, the country's weather agency raised the alert to its highest level. The latter is issued "if there is a significant likelihood of catastrophes".
Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency said that another million people were advised to leave their homes. "It is a situation where you should do your best to protect your lives," said Weather agency official Yasushi Kajiwara. "Please don't wait," he added.