On Monday, August 12th, the severe tropical storm “Maria” made landfall in Iwate Prefecture, Japan, causing record-breaking heavy rain and triggering floods in the northeastern part of Japan. Authorities have warned that the danger is far from over.
According to reports from Kyodo News Agency and NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), “Maria” is the first tropical storm to hit the Japanese archipelago this year.
Within 48 hours until Monday afternoon, “Maria” brought over 480 millimeters of rainfall to the coastal areas of Iwate Prefecture. This is the largest amount of rainfall recorded in the region. Rainfall measurements at several observation points have broken records. The city of Kuji in the prefecture recorded rainfall over the past 48 hours that was twice the average monthly rainfall for August.
Due to the risk of river flooding, the Kuji City government issued the highest level of warning temporarily, alerting residents that their lives were in danger and urging them to take all necessary safety precautions.
Several houses in Iwate Prefecture have been submerged, and at least one landslide has occurred. Some municipal governments have issued evacuation orders to residents.
Earlier, the Japan Meteorological Agency warned that “Maria” has heightened the risks of landslides, river flooding, floods in low-lying areas, strong winds, and giant waves. It is expected that by Tuesday, “Maria” will weaken into a tropical depression over the Sea of Japan.
Some municipal governments in Aomori and Akita prefectures have issued warnings to residents or ordered evacuations.
On Monday, Japan Airlines announced that the company had canceled many flights, affecting around 7,000 passengers.
All Nippon Airways decided on Sunday, August 11th, to cancel some flights to and from Aomori Airport, stating that services to other airports in the region may also be impacted.
The bullet train service between Akita Station and Morioka Station in Tohoku, operated by East Japan Railway Company, was suspended on Monday afternoon.
The heavy rainfall forced authorities to close the Ryusendo limestone cave in Iwate Prefecture, a popular tourist attraction.
Officials in Iwate Prefecture conducted an emergency flood discharge at the Taki Dam in the coastal city of Kuji. They advised residents living near the basin to prepare for the risk of river flooding.