Heavy rain warning still in effect in Kumamoto

The Japan Meteorological Agency downgraded the heavy rain emergency warning for seven municipalities in Kumamoto Prefecture. These areas are now under a heavy rain warning or advisory. The agency urged residents to remain alert for landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, and swollen rivers.

The emergency warning had covered the cities of Tamana, Uki, Yatsushiro, Kamiamakusa, and Amakusa, as well as the towns of Nagasu and Hikawa. Warm, moist air flowing into a rain front caused record precipitation in the prefecture. Heavy rain clouds over Kumamoto triggered severe downpour warnings. An agency official advised people to stay vigilant and follow evacuation instructions from local authorities. More heavy rain is expected in Kyushu and across much of Japan through Tuesday morning.