Society

26,000 ordered to evacuate after record torrential rain in Akita

Jul 24 (Asahi) - Authorities ordered 26,000 residents of Akita Prefecture to evacuate their homes as record levels of torrential rain lashed northern Japan, triggering widespread flooding over the weekend.

The storm also crippled a rail link between Akita and Morioka stations that is serviced by the Akita Shinkansen Line operated by East Japan Railway Co. (JR East).

The Japan Meteorological Agency said an active seasonal front was responsible for the heaviest rainfall on record at 11 observation points in the prefecture in a 24-hour period from July 22.

The residents of Daisen and Yurihonjo, as well as one other city and town, were ordered to evacuate.

Akita prefectural authorities are urging Akita residents to remain vigilant amid fears of further flooding or landslides.

Officials said 485 residential homes in 17 cities and towns were reported to be inundated with water as of 10 a.m. on July 24 after the Omonogawa and Fukubenaigawa rivers burst their banks. Two homes were partially damaged by landslides.

That number is expected to rise as officials have been unable to reach some inundated areas and settlements to assess the damage situation.

Source: ANNnewsCH

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