Emergency Evacuations Issued for Over 10,000 Residents in Kawagoe, Saitama as Heavy Rain Causes Flooding

2024/08/30 03:26 Weather News

At 3:03 AM on August 30 (Friday), Kawagoe City in Saitama Prefecture issued an “Emergency Safety Assurance” order for 4,777 households and 10,577 people in the Oaza Terao district due to river flooding.

Residents near the river are advised to evacuate to a safe location nearby or to move to a higher place indoors, such as the second floor, to ensure their safety.

Due to the south winds blowing between Typhoon No. 10 and a high-pressure system, moist air is flowing into Saitama Prefecture, resulting in heavy rain. The AMeDAS Kawagoe recorded 203.5 mm of rain within 24 hours up until 3:10 AM.

The situation conducive to the influx of developed rain clouds is expected to continue. Evacuating during dark hours poses risks, so if you feel it is dangerous to go outside, please move to as high a place as possible indoors and prioritize your safety.
» Rain cloud radar
» River water levels & live cameras

Ensure Your Safety

The peak of rain around Iwata City is gradually passing, but intermittent rain is expected through tonight. There is a risk of landslides even after the rain subsides for a while.

Additionally, after the peak of rain has passed, there is still a danger of new landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, and river flooding, so please remain vigilant.
» Rain cloud radar

What is “Information on Significant Heavy Rain”?

“Information on Significant Heavy Rain” is information that explains situations where the risk of disaster due to heavy rain is rapidly increasing, particularly when intense rain continues to fall in the same area due to a linear precipitation band, using the keyword “linear precipitation band.”

This information has been implemented since 2021 to communicate a sense of urgency as the awareness of the risks associated with heavy rain has been spreading in society.

As danger is approaching in areas where this information is announced, please check evacuation information issued by local authorities and take appropriate action promptly.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, simulations using past data suggest that there will be about 10 to 20 cases announced nationwide per year for this “Information on Significant Heavy Rain.” Although the frequency of announcements is higher than special warnings, such heavy rain occurs only once every few years in the relevant area, so do not let your guard down.

: Weather Report (submitted via the Weather News App)

In Case of Level 5 Alert Before Evacuation

Actions to Take Based on Alert Levels

If a level 5 alert situation arises before you are able to evacuate, you must take actions to prepare for further deterioration of the situation.

If it is safe along the route to evacuation centers, make your way to the nearest safe evacuation center.

However, if there are flooded areas along the evacuation route, or if there are swollen rivers or steep cliffs, or if it is nighttime and raining heavily to the extent that movement is difficult, avoid risky movements. Stay inside your current building, moving as far away from slopes or cliffs as possible and to higher floors, while ensuring your safety and trying to obtain information.
» Rain cloud radar

Reference Materials