Tokyo, Japan: Authorities issued a typhoon warning as two tropical cyclones approached Japan, while heavy seasonal rains heightened the risk of floods and landslides.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the government was closely monitoring Typhoons No. 7 and No. 8 as they approached the Japanese archipelago on June 24.
Government forecasts showed Typhoon No. 7 moving toward the Okinawa region. Typhoon No. 8 recently formed and could follow a similar track.
By the end of the week, both storms could affect a broad area from Kyushu in southwestern Japan to Kanto-Koshin, which includes the greater Tokyo region.
Authorities also warned that the Baiyu seasonal rain front had intensified. The rain system has already brought torrential downpours to parts of southern Japan.
Officials issued Level 4 evacuation warnings in several parts of Kyushu. The alerts cited higher risks of landslides and flooding.
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Meteorologists reported linear precipitation bands in Kagoshima Prefecture. The weather pattern can produce long-lasting and intense rainfall.
Evacuation orders had already been issued in some municipalities. Officials warned that more areas could face similar measures if conditions worsened.
The Japan typhoon warning covered risks from landslides, low-lying floods, overflowing rivers, lightning, tornadoes and strong wind gusts.
Authorities urged residents to stay alert and follow instructions from local governments and meteorological agencies.
The government established an emergency Information and Coordination Headquarters within the Prime Minister’s Office.
Officials said the centre would oversee response efforts, coordinate with local authorities and assess possible damage.
Residents were advised to review local hazard maps and confirm evacuation routes. Authorities said people should evacuate immediately if signs of danger appeared.