Significant flooding has been reported in the Kaseda area of Minamisatsuma City, Kagoshima Prefecture, as Tropical Storm Lingling made landfall on Japan’s southwestern island of Kyushu. The storm struck near Hioki City just after 5 p.m. on Thursday, bringing with it heavy rain and unstable weather conditions.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, southern parts of Kyushu are experiencing intermittent downpours, with forecasters warning that bands of heavy rainclouds could develop across Kagoshima Prefecture — excluding the Amami region — from Thursday evening through Friday evening. This could sharply increase the risks of flooding and landslides.
Officials reported that 95 millimeters of rainfall were recorded in just one hour between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. in Minamikyushu, highlighting the severity of the storm. Landslide alerts have already been issued in parts of Kagoshima, as the region remains under threat of prolonged rainfall due to Lingling’s slow movement.
In the 24 hours through Friday evening, up to 300 millimeters of rain is expected in Kagoshima Prefecture, with even higher totals possible if linear rain bands develop. Residents are being urged to remain on high alert for landslides, overflowing rivers, and flooding in low-lying areas.
The situation is especially concerning as parts of Kagoshima were already hit earlier this month by record-breaking rainfall, leaving the region vulnerable to further disaster. Emergency services are closely monitoring the storm’s path, and officials are calling on residents to take immediate precautions.
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