Heavy Rain from Twin Storms Triggers Landslide, Flooding in Western Japan
Two storm systems, Mekkhala and Higos, brought torrential rain and destruction across Japan on Saturday, causing landslides, widespread flooding, and significant disruption to travel.
Fatalities and Injuries Reported
A man in his 70s died and three others were injured after a house collapsed in a landslide in Yamaguchi prefecture on Friday.
The death was reported by Japan's Kyodo News agency, marking the most severe casualty from the storms.
Flooding and Infrastructure Damage
Heavy rain caused rivers to swell and overflow, leading to flooding alerts in parts of Kyoto, Osaka, and other areas in western Japan. The Kamo River in Kyoto was seen swollen with muddy water, a stark visual of the storm's impact.
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported that more than 30 homes were flooded in Nara and Hiroshima on Friday alone. The extreme weather also caused landslides and significant ground saturation across the region.
Travel Disruptions
The storms also snarled transportation. Heavy rain disrupted some train operations and flights, adding to the challenges for residents and travelers in the affected areas.