The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a weather-disaster warning for the Tokachi region of Hokkaido on July 12, 2026, following record rainfall [1].
This extreme weather event poses an immediate threat to local infrastructure and human safety. The sudden volume of water increases the risk of landslides and river overflows, which can lead to rapid flooding of residential areas in rural Hokkaido.
According to the agency, the Rikubetsu area experienced record short-term heavy rain [1]. Measurements indicated that approximately 90 mm of rain fell within a single hour [1]. This measurement was recorded up to 14:00 local time on July 12 [2].
The agency said the intense rainfall raised the risk of house flooding and rising river levels [1]. Officials said the saturated ground could trigger landslides, a common danger in the mountainous terrain of the Tokachi region.
Local authorities are monitoring the situation as the weather-disaster warning remains in effect. The agency said it continues to track precipitation levels to determine if further evacuations or emergency measures are necessary to protect the residents of Rikubetsu [1].
“Approximately 90 mm of rain fell within a single hour”
The occurrence of 90 mm of rain in one hour is an extreme meteorological event for the Tokachi region, where infrastructure may not be designed for such high-intensity short-term bursts. This event underscores the increasing volatility of weather patterns in northern Japan and highlights the critical role of the Japan Meteorological Agency's early warning systems in mitigating casualties from flash floods and landslides.
