Japan issues high-level landslide warning for Yakushima

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued its highest-level landslide warning for the town of Yakushima, Kagoshima prefecture on Saturday following record-breaking rainfall.

"There is a very high possibility that some kind of disaster has already occurred in areas designated as landslide hazard zones," the national authority for weather and geological monitoring said in a statement, noting the rainfall is "unprecedented."

It emphasized that lives are in "imminent danger" and residents must take immediate action to ensure their safety as the storm continues.

Authorities told residents that if reaching a designated evacuation center is too hazardous, they should relocate to a building situated far from cliffs and streams.

The JMA warned that waiting for a special warning to be issued often means it is too late to escape safely. "To protect your own life and the lives of your loved ones, do not wait," the agency added, urging the public to follow instructions from authorities.