Koyoshigawa River in Akita experiences flooding after record rainfall

The Koyoshigawa River in Yurihonjo City, Akita Prefecture, experienced flooding following record-breaking rainfall. On the night of October 21, the Japan Meteorological Agency and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism issued a Level 5 Flood Special Warning, the highest alert level, after confirming water overflowing the riverbanks near Moriko.

Heavy rainfall, driven by a cold front, resulted in measurements exceeding 130mm within 24 hours in parts of Yurihonjo, marking the highest October rainfall on record for the area. In response, emergency safety measures were issued for approximately 1,200 residents in the Nishitakizawa, Ishizawa, and Kubota districts.

By the early hours of October 22, water levels began to recede. Authorities downgraded the alert to a Level 2 Flood Advisory at 2:20 AM and subsequently lifted the advisory at 6:20 AM. While some roads were flooded, no immediate reports of injuries or significant building damage were confirmed by local authorities.