Large-scale landslides occurred in Japan due to heavy rains, there are missing persons
11 August 2025 18:23
On Monday, in the southwestern part of Japan – on the island of Kyushu – there were serious landslides and floods due to heavy rains. Several people are reported missing. According to Kyodo News and AP, the situation remains dangerous, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
- In Kumamoto Prefecture, a man who had evacuated with his family disappeared after their car was washed away by a landslide in the city of Kosa. His wife and children were rescued.
- In Misato, rescuers are searching for a resident trapped in a landslide.
- In the neighboring Fukuoka Prefecture, two people went missing after being washed away by a powerful stream in the city of Fukutsu.
What is known about the landslides and weather conditions
- In six hours, 370 mm of precipitation fell in the city of Tama (Kumamoto Prefecture), which is almost twice the monthly norm for August.
- In total, more than 3 million people have been advised to evacuate or warned, including about 384,000 under the highest level of threat.
- Rail transportation, including Shinkansen high-speed trains, was suspended and some lines were partially restored on Monday.
- Governments have mobilized forces, including the Japan Self-Defense Forces, to carry out rescue efforts and provide for the victims. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensure the safety of the population.
- The Japanese Meteorological Service warns that the ground remains unstable and the risk of new landslides remains high, even after the danger level has been reduced.
These natural disasters occurred during the Obon holiday, a traditional holiday when many Japanese people travel around the country. This made transportation and evacuation delays particularly difficult.
