大雨おおあめ被害ひがいの九州きゅうしゅうや石川いしかわ 厳きびしい暑あつさの中なかで片かたづけ【注意ちゅうい点てんも】

In various parts of Kyushu, where record-breaking heavy rain has caused damage such as flooded homes, residents are busy cleaning up in the intense heat, working up a sweat.

Experts are warning that the risk of heatstroke and infectious diseases increases during cleanup work after heavy rain disasters.

On the 13th, temperatures have been rising since the morning, exceeding 30 degrees in many places, making it a midsummer day.

In Chitose Town, Yatsushiro City, where flood damage occurred one after another, residents were cleaning up by wiping down water-soaked furniture and taking out mud-covered tatami mats outside, all while sweating in the intense heat.

Also, at a nursery school that was flooded by about 20 centimeters, staff members were busy cleaning up in preparation for reopening, such as using pumps to drain the water that had accumulated inside.

Principal Satomi Imaoka of Sendō Midori Nursery School said, Until yesterday, we couldnt use the air conditioner or fans, so it was really tough, but today we can use the air conditioner, so were taking breaks while cleaning up to avoid heatstroke.

I want to do my best so that we can reopen the nursery as soon as possible, they said.

We are in a situation where we have no choice but to clean up despite the intense heat.

In the Shimazaki area of Nishi Ward, Kumamoto City, there have been a series of cases of houses being flooded, and in one of these cases, a large amount of muddy water flowed into the home of a woman in her 70s.

According to the woman, at the time she and her daughter continued to carry water outside using buckets, but the water level did not go down, and since they felt their lives were in danger, they evacuated to the second floor of their house.

The room on the first floor was covered in mud, and the two cars parked outside were also submerged in water.

A woman in her 70s said, It was so hot that I sweated and used more than 10 towels.

They said, I want to be careful not to get heatstroke by drinking cold tea or water.

Residents continue to remove mud and other debris that entered their homes, and on the 13th, 12 volunteers from outside the city came to help.

In the house of Mr. Yasunori Murata, who received support from volunteers, water flowed into the living room and kitchen, and the outdoor unit of the air conditioner was also submerged and is now unusable.

On the 13th in Fukutsu City, it was sunny from the morning and the temperature rose above 30 degrees, making it extremely hot. The volunteers worked while taking frequent breaks and staying hydrated.

Mr. Murata said, There was nothing we could do on our own, but volunteers and neighbors came to help us, and I just feel nothing but gratitude.

Mr. Takashi Higo from the NPO Japan Kyuentai, who came to provide support, said, Im surprised because the situation is much worse than I expected.

I want to keep working so that we can return to our normal lives as soon as possible, they said.

Experts are warning that the risk of heatstroke and infectious diseases increases during cleanup work after heavy rain disasters.

According to Professor Masashi Yokobori of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Nippon Medical School Graduate School, who is an expert in disaster medicine and heatstroke prevention, there is a tendency for more people to suffer from heatstroke during cleanup work after heavy rain disasters that occur in hot weather.

The reasons given include the possibility that the air conditioner may become unusable due to outdoor unit failure or power outages, and that after heavy rain disasters, the humidity becomes high, making it difficult for sweat to evaporate and for body heat to escape.

Professor Yokobori said, When working in environments where you cant avoid the heat, I want you to take measures such as drinking water frequently, taking breaks, and wearing a hat.

He said, I would also like you to work together with at least one other person, check on each others well-being, and encourage each other to take breaks.

It is also pointed out that in areas that experienced flooding, there is a risk of developing respiratory illnesses from inhaling dust after the water dries up, as well as the risk of infections if unsanitary water enters wounds on the feet or other parts of the body.

Professor Yokobori says, Its important to wear a mask to avoid inhaling dust, wear sturdy safety shoes even in the heat to prevent injuries, and choose clothing that minimizes skin exposure.

On the 8th of this month, a special heavy rain warning was temporarily issued for Kirishima City, and at the Uzuto Cemetery located there, families and others visited one after another to pay their respects at the graves from the morning of the 13th as the Obon holiday approached.

In Kirishima City, the temperature exceeded 30 degrees Celsius from the morning, and despite the severe heat, visitors were cleaning around the graves and offering flowers.

In the city, record-breaking heavy rain has caused widespread damage, including flooding of approximately 400 houses, and recovery efforts are ongoing.

A woman in her 70s from the city said, The area near the grave is a cliff, so I was worried about the effects of the heavy rain, but Im relieved that I was able to visit safely.

A man in his 60s who visited from Miyakonojo City, Miyazaki Prefecture, said, I checked in advance to make sure there were no road closures, so I was able to come by car.

Im glad to hear that there was no damage to the grave, too, they said.

Due to heavy rain, a section of National Route 249 in Nakajima Town, Nanao City, collapsed early on the 12th, with about 30 meters in length and about 10 meters in height of the one-lane road being affected.

Three people were injured, including a man in his 70s who suffered serious injuries such as broken bones, after three cars fell.

On the 13th, officials from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and the prefecture conducted a survey around the collapsed site for restoration work, taking photos and checking the extent of the damage.

According to the Nakanoto Civil Engineering Office, which manages the roads, the investigation is scheduled to take place over several days, and based on the results, restoration work will begin.

National Route 249 will remain closed for the time being over a section of approximately 2 kilometers, including the area where the collapse occurred.

A man in his 40s who lives near the site said, Ive never experienced anything like this before, so Im really surprised.

I use this road almost every day, so its inconvenient. I would appreciate it if it could be fixed soon, they said.