UPDATE - ‘Extremely’ heavy rain triggers floods warning in Japan

ADDS NEW STATEMENT BY METEOROLOGICAL AGENCY, REVISES DECK, LEDE

By Yasin Gungor

STANBUL (AA) - Japan's Meteorological Agency on Friday warned of increasing risk of landslides and floods due to "extremely heavy rain" in the south of the country.

"This is the heaviest rain ever recorded," the agency announced, emphasizing that there was an "imminent danger to life."

The agency said the risk of disasters caused by landslides and floods was increasing rapidly.

It urged residents to evacuate without delay until further notice. "Move now to a safe location designated by your municipality, away from cliffs and streams or to a higher area," it said.

The agency reported record-breaking short-term rainfall in the Amami region of Kagoshima Prefecture and Okinawa Island.

It said more than 120 millimeters (4.7 inches) of rain was recorded near Kunigami Village in Okinawa.

“In the Amami region (Kagoshima Prefecture) and Okinawa Island, extremely heavy rain caused by a linear rain band continues to fall in the same place,” it said.

The agency stressed the need for vigilance in all areas and told residents to check regional updates for real-time safety information.