Iwaki City issues evacuation advisory due to Typhoon 25

Iwaki City in Fukushima Prefecture has issued a Level 3 evacuation advisory for elderly residents and those requiring extra assistance due to the approach of Typhoon 25. The advisory comes amid concerns regarding heavy rainfall, potential river flooding, and landslides.

Local authorities have opened 27 evacuation centers across the city. To prevent accidents similar to a fatal incident on September 7, where a vehicle was submerged in an underpass, the city has implemented preemptive road closures for several underpasses. Specifically, the Yoneda Underpass will be closed if heavy rain warnings are issued, if hourly rainfall reaches 30mm, or if flooding is deemed likely.

Heavy rain is expected across Fukushima, with rainfall forecasts reaching 200mm for the Hamadori region. JR East has announced planned service suspensions on sections of the Joban and Suigun lines starting from the evening. Residents are urged to remain vigilant against landslides and flooding through the early hours of September 22.