Japan issues evacuation orders due to landslide threat

TOKYO: Japan has come under the threat of massive landslides caused due to heavy torrential rains. Authorities have ordered 800,000 people on the southern island of Kyushu to seek shelter in evacuation centers and other safe areas on July 3. Since Friday, June 28, the island has received approximately 40 inches of rainfall.

Evacuation orders were issued for nearly 6,00,000 residents of Kagoshima city and two smaller cities in the same prefecture, the broadcaster said. Another 310,000 residents of the island were advised to find shelter, reported Kyodo News. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan said that residents should “take steps to protect their lives, including early evacuation” and he has also ordered the military to prepare for rescue operations if necessary.