Heavy rainfall across many regions in Japan

NHK -- Sep 08

Heavy rain is battering wide areas of Japan. Weather officials warn that if rainfall continues to increase there is a risk of landslides and swollen rivers.

The severe weather is being caused by a rain front extending across the region, as well as an influx of moist air.

Meteorological Agency radar data showed rainfall of about 100 millimeters per hour in Osaka, Kyoto and Hyogo prefectures in the early morning hours of Saturday.

The agency says western and eastern Japan could see hourly rainfall of more than 50 millimeters into Monday.

Agency officials are forecasting 100 to 200 millimeters of rain for the regions of Shikoku, Tokai, Kinki, Hokuriku and Kanto-Koshin in the 24 hours through Saturday evening.

They are calling on people to stay alert for landslides, swollen rivers, flooding, winds gusts and hail.