Japan Issues Level 4 Emergency Alert Over Torrential Rain in Nagano
In a stark reminder of the dangers of extreme weather, Japan’s Meteorological Agency has issued a Level 4 evacuation alert to residents in Nagano Prefecture following intense downpours that triggered fears of landslides. The heavy rainfall struck Chino City on the evening of 1 July, with radar data showing approximately 110 millimetres of rain fell within a single hour.
This deluge prompted officials to release “record-breaking short-term heavy rain information”, warning residents to remain vigilant and evacuate promptly. Authorities highlighted that such rainfall levels could quickly destabilise slopes and riverbanks, increasing the risk of landslides and flooding.
According to Japan’s five-level warning system, Level 4 signifies imminent danger, requiring residents to evacuate immediately to safeguard lives. Chino City officials acted swiftly, issuing evacuation orders to 596 households comprising 908 individuals in the high-risk North Yama area.
Areas Affected by Evacuation Orders
The evacuation order covered three main districts: Midori-no-Mura with 47 households and 67 people, Tateshina with 438 households and 655 people, and Shirakabako with 111 households and 186 people. Residents in these communities were instructed to move to safety without delay as soil saturation and ongoing rainfall heightened the threat of deadly landslides.
Chino City authorities established Kitayama Elementary School as a designated evacuation centre, providing shelter and assistance for displaced residents. Emergency services are also on high alert, ready to respond to any incidents arising from the worsening weather.
The Meteorological Agency and local officials stressed the importance of following evacuation instructions, especially for those living near slopes or rivers, where the risk of disaster is most severe. They urged people to stay informed through official channels and not to wait until the situation becomes critical.
Severe Weather Across the Region
Reports from NHK indicated that multiple municipalities in Nagano, including Suwa City, Ina City, Tateshina Town, Nagawa Town, Minowa Town, and Minamiminowa Village, were also placed under landslide disaster warnings. This broad area of concern underscores the scale of the weather event and the widespread danger posed to residents.
The unprecedented rainfall and resulting hazards highlight the growing challenges faced by communities in Japan during increasingly frequent extreme weather events. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely, ready to escalate warnings if rainfall persists.
Residents have been reminded to prioritise safety over belongings and to assist neighbours who may require help evacuating, such as the elderly or disabled. Authorities warned that ignoring evacuation orders could result in tragic consequences, as sudden landslides can occur with little warning.
This latest emergency serves as a timely reminder of the importance of disaster preparedness and the life-saving impact of heeding official alerts during Japan’s rainy season.