Yakushima faces water outages and a continuing evacuation order after heavy rain
Japan lowered Yakushima’s landslide warning on September 5, but an evacuation order remained in force. Kagoshima Prefecture’s afternoon report listed 6,228 residents covered by the order. Damage to Nagamine’s water-intake system affected as many as 289 households, with water distributed at a temporary point while river levels prevented repairs. Saturated ground left a continuing risk of further landslides after the rain.
Science··Morning
Warning lowered while evacuation order continues
Japan lowered Yakushima’s highest-level landslide warning by one level at 11.30 local time on September 5. Rain had intensified during the combined influence of Typhoon No. 24 and a rain front. Saturated ground left a continuing risk of landslides and flooding. Kagoshima Prefecture’s 16.30 situation report listed an evacuation order covering 6,228 residents in 3,574 households. Lowering the weather warning did not cancel the municipality’s separate evacuation order.[1], [2]
Temporary water distribution serves Nagamine
Damage to Nagamine’s water-intake system disrupted service to as many as 289 households. Damaged piping at the water source prompted distribution from a temporary water point. River levels were preventing repairs, which were planned to begin once the water receded. The prefecture’s afternoon report also listed approximately 20 Yakushima households without electricity as of 15.00.[1], [2]
Shelters remain open as driftwood reaches the port
There were 11 evacuation shelters open on Yakushima. Kagoshima Prefecture’s report did not give the number of people staying in them. The prefecture also reported no information on injuries or deaths at that time. Landslides had occurred after the rain, while driftwood carried by the current reached Miyanoura Port.[1], [2]
