鹿児島かごしま霧島きりしま市しに大雨おおあめ特別とくべつ警報けいほう 命いのちが助たすかる可能かのう性せいが高たかい行動こうどうを

At 5 a.m. on the 8th, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a special heavy rain warning for Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture.

In Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, there is an extremely high possibility that serious disasters such as landslides have already occurred.

The Japan Meteorological Agency urges people to check their surroundings and, if it is dangerous to move to an evacuation site, to move to a nearby sturdy building. If it is already dangerous to go outside, they should move to a room on the second floor or higher of a building, on the side opposite to cliffs or slopes, and take any action that increases the chances of saving their lives, even if only slightly.

A special warning corresponds to the highest level, Level 5, out of the five alert levels. It indicates a situation in which there is an extremely high possibility that a major disaster, such as landslides, river flooding, or inundation, has already occurred.

Above all, it is important to evacuate to a safe place and protect your life, but it is possible that going outside in the area is already dangerous.

These are points to be cautious of near cliffs, rivers, and low-lying areas.

If you are near cliffs or mountain slopes, the risk of landslides is increasing.

Are there any cliffs or mountain slopes nearby?

If the rain has not intensified, please evacuate to a sturdy building further away.

However, if the surroundings are still dark or if flooding has already begun and the situation is dangerous, protect yourself by moving to a safer place, such as a higher floor in a nearby building or your home, and to a room away from cliffs or slopes.

If you are near a river, there is also a risk of flooding.

Houses located very close to the river may be completely destroyed by the overflowing muddy current.

It is most important to evacuate to a high floor of a sturdy building that is far away.

However, if flooding has already begun, move to a higher floor if possible and take actions that will increase your chances of survival.

People living in low-lying areas should also be cautious—not just near rice fields or farms, but also in residential areas where their homes are situated lower than the surrounding land.

There is a risk that the water depth will suddenly increase and cause damage.

When evacuating on foot or by car in poor visibility, there is a risk of falling into gutters or irrigation channels, or even being swept away with your car, so you need to be especially cautious.

If visibility is good and there is no flooding, evacuate to a safe place on higher ground if possible. If visibility is poor and flooding has already begun or the situation is dangerous, move to an upper floor of a nearby tall building. Please choose the method that gives you the highest chance of survival.

The special heavy rain warning has been issued for the first time this year, since it was last issued on November 9th last year for Yoron Town in Kagoshima Prefecture.

In Kagoshima Prefecture, a special heavy rain warning was issued four years ago, in July 2021.