Mass Evacuations Ordered in Central Japan. Japan has ordered mass evacuations following severe flooding and landslides triggered by heavy rains in the central region of the country. The area had already been struggling to recover from a recent earthquake, adding to the challenges faced by local authorities. The torrential downpour began early Tuesday, causing rivers to overflow and flood surrounding towns.

Local authorities urged residents to leave their homes as water levels rose rapidly. More than 20,000 people have already been evacuated in the worst-affected areas, while thousands more remain at risk. Emergency services have been deployed, and helicopters are assisting with airlifting those stranded in flood-hit zones.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency has warned of further heavy rains, increasing fears of additional flooding and landslides. The agency also issued its highest-level warning, advising people to remain on high alert. Roads and railways have been heavily impacted, with many transportation services suspended due to dangerous conditions.

The situation is particularly dire for the region, which had been hit by a powerful earthquake just days before. Many homes and buildings were already damaged or unstable, making them more vulnerable to the effects of the flooding. The quake had left the area’s infrastructure weakened, further complicating relief efforts.

In addition to the evacuation orders, the government has mobilized its military forces to assist in rescue and recovery operations. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed his concern for the affected communities and pledged to provide all necessary support to ensure the safety of residents.

The combination of natural disasters has sparked worries about long-term damage to the region. With more rain predicted in the coming days, authorities remain focused on protecting lives and minimizing further destruction. Japan’s disaster response units are working around the clock to provide aid and relief to those affected by the relentless natural forces.

This event underscores the vulnerability of Japan’s quake-prone regions to multiple natural disasters, raising concerns about the resilience of its disaster preparedness systems.