Heavy rains and landslides in southern Japan have left several people missing, prompting extensive rescue operations. Local officials and media reports indicate that the flooding occurred on Monday, affecting homes and sweeping individuals away.

Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency has advised tens of thousands of residents in six prefectures to evacuate to safer areas. In Kumamoto prefecture, rescue teams are actively searching for three individuals. One of them was reportedly heading to an evacuation center with family when a mudslide struck their vehicle.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued the highest level of evacuation warnings for certain areas in Kumamoto. Landslide warnings have also been extended to eight other prefectures. In Misato town, rescuers successfully saved an elderly man trapped in his home after a landslide hit. He has been transported to a hospital and is expected to survive.

In Fukuoka city, two individuals were swept away by a rapidly rising river on Sunday and remain unaccounted for, according to national broadcaster NHK. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that approximately 400 millimeters of rain fell in parts of Kumamoto within a 24-hour period, setting a record for the region.

Yoichi Tachihara, who leads the forecast and warning division at the Japan Meteorological Agency, stated, "I have never experienced rain like this. There is a real threat to people's lives." The Office of Disaster Management urged residents to "take the best action to protect your life immediately and with maximum caution."

Local television footage has shown overflowing rivers, submerged homes, and roads inundated with up to a meter of water. The extreme weather has been attributed to a warm, humid front causing unstable atmospheric pressure in the region.

The flooding coincides with one of Japan's busiest travel weeks, as Monday marks a national holiday leading into the annual Obon Festival. This period typically sees millions traveling to honor their ancestors. However, due to the severe weather, the Japan Railway Company has suspended services on multiple lines, disrupting travel plans.

Although the emergency warning was downgraded to a heavy rain warning on Monday afternoon, the Japan Meteorological Agency cautioned that the soil remains unstable, increasing the risk of landslides even without additional rainfall. Tachihara emphasized the need for vigilance, stating, "Be on high alert."