Heavy rain prompts flood and landslide warnings in southwestern Japan

TOKYO — Japanese weather authorities warned of possible landslides, flooding in low-lying areas and overflowing rivers after heavy rainfall swept across parts of southwestern Japan on Sunday.According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), bands of heavy rain clouds developed over Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures through late Sunday morning, significantly increasing the risk of weather-related disasters.The agency also forecast highly unstable atmospheric conditions across western Japan, warning that parts of Shikoku could receive rainfall intense enough to trigger weather alerts.Officials said a weather front stretching from mainland China through the Nansei Islands and south of Japan, combined with a low-pressure system over the East China Sea, is contributing to the severe weather conditions.The low-pressure system is expected to move east-northeast along the front, bringing additional rainfall to affected areas.By early Monday, rainfall totals over a 24-hour period are forecast to reach as much as 300 millimeters in Shikoku and up to 150 millimeters in southern Kyushu and the Amami region.Authorities urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert for landslides, river flooding and other potential hazards as the weather system continues to affect the region.