News

Japan travel warning after floods

Image via Shutterstock

A warning over travel and infrastructure disruption has been issued as rescue efforts continue in flood-hit regions north of Tokyo.


The alert from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office followed heavy rains from Tropical Storm Etau which have caused severe flooding in the Tochigi and Ibaraki prefectures.


At least two people have been confirmed killed and 25 people are still missing across the regions.


Many people had to wait overnight to be rescued from the roofs of their homes near Joso city, after the Kinugawa River burst its banks on Thursday, the BBC reported.


A warning of further heavy rain and the risk of mudslides has been issued.


More than 50 helicopters and nearly 6,000 rescuers worked through the night on Thursday and more than 3,500 people have been taken to temporary shelters.


More than 19 inches of rain fell in 24 hours in parts of Tochigi, double the amount that normally falls there throughout the whole of September, according to local reports.


“An emergency weather warning is in place and some people have been evacuated due to flash flooding and the risk of landslides,” the FCO aid in an updated travel advisory.


“More heavy rain is forecast. Listen to local alerts and follow any instructions closely.


“There may be some disruption to transport and other infrastructure in the parts of northeastern Honshu most affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.


“Check with the local authorities or your travel company before you go.”

Share article

View Comments

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.