May 19 (NHK) - Torrential rain has hit northeastern Japan. The Meteorological Agency is warning of landslides, overflowing rivers and flooding in the region.
In the past 48 hours, through 6 PM, rainfall in the city of Kitaakita in Akita Prefecture has reached 180 millimeters -- exceeding the average for the month of May.
Warm, humid air flowing into the frontal system from the south is causing unstable atmospheric conditions.
Landslide alerts have been issued for parts of Akita and neighboring Iwate and Yamagata Prefectures. A river in Akita is at risk of flooding.
Iwate police say a man in his 80s is missing after he went to check on his boat moored on a river. They think he may have been washed away.
The weather agency says heavy rain is further expected in the northeastern part of the country and along the Japan Sea coast in central Japan.
The agency is warning people to be on high alert for heavy rain, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hail in wider areas, including the region surrounding Tokyo.
Source: ANNnewsCH
