Disaster-level heavy rain struck northern Kyushu on Thursday, triggering a landslide in Sasebo City and recording intense hourly rainfall in Fukuoka Prefecture [1].
This weather pattern poses an immediate risk to residential areas and infrastructure across the region. The saturation of the soil increases the likelihood of further slope failures and flash floods as the storm system persists.
An active Baiu front brought sustained rainfall to the region [1]. In Yame City and Yanagawa City, both located in Fukuoka Prefecture, authorities recorded 42 mm of rain within a single hour [1].
The intense precipitation led to a landslide behind a residential home in Sasebo City, Nagasaki Prefecture [1]. While no injuries were reported [2], the landslide struck a vehicle parked near the home, leaving it immobilized [1].
Meteorologists said the peak of the rain is currently passing, but warned that heavy precipitation is expected to return overnight into June 26 [1].
Forecasts indicate significant accumulation by noon on June 26. Total rainfall is expected to reach up to 200 mm in Nagasaki, Ōita, and Kumamoto prefectures [1]. Meanwhile, Saga and Fukuoka prefectures are forecasted to see up to 120 mm of rain by that time [1].
Local authorities continue to monitor the affected areas for additional mudslides or flooding as the ground remains unstable from the initial deluge.
“Disaster-level heavy rain struck northern Kyushu on Thursday”
The recurrence of heavy rainfall following an initial surge increases the risk of secondary disasters. Because the ground is already saturated from the 42 mm hourly peak, even moderate additional rain can trigger further landslides in the hilly terrain of Kyushu.
