Japan's weather agency warns of heaviest rain ever in region

Japan's weather agency has warned of the heaviest rain ever in the region. At least one person was killed in southwestern Japan and three others are missing in landslides, triggered due to torrential rain. 

According to the local fire department, a 77-year-old woman was confirmed dead in a landslide that entered her home overnight in rural Fukuoka. This prompted authorities to order tens of thousands of people to leave their homes on Japan's southwestern island of Kyushu today. The Japan Meteorological Agency has urged people to take shelter, as the heavy downpours risked flooding and landslides across the Fukuoka and Oita regions. 

The highest-level warning for heavy rain was



issued in parts of Fukuoka and Oita prefectures. Officials said that the rain is becoming so heavy unlike anything seen before. The prime minister's office said that a task force has been established to coordinate a response to the rains. 

Meanwhile, the downpour forced the stoppage of the bullet train service between western Hiroshima and Fukuoka. Japan is currently in its annual rainy season, which often brings heavy downpours, and sometimes results in flooding and landslides, as well as casualties. Scientists have said that climate change is intensifying the risk of heavy rain in Japan and other regions because a warmer atmosphere holds more water