Akita officials said several rivers including the Taihei River have breached their banks on Saturday. - PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM TWITTER VIDEO
TOKYO (Xinhua): Heavy rain pounded Akita Prefecture in northeastern Japan on Saturday, with evacuation orders issued in more than 10 municipalities in the prefecture.
Affected by an active seasonal rain front, Oga City and the town of Happo, both in Akita Prefecture, were hit with a record rainfall of 196 millimeters and 167 millimeters, respectively, in 12 hours through 10:40 a.m., according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
The figure in Happo was higher than the town's normal monthly rainfall for July, said the JMA.
Akita officials said several rivers including the Taihei River have breached their banks, with the most severe evacuation alert issued for residents in the city and nearby Gojome.
Weather officials warned that rain clouds will linger over Tohoku region through Sunday, and could bring more downpours, urging people to stay in a safe place as the dangers could intensify. - Xinhua
