Record heavy rain in Nagoya, Japan, triggers highest level 5 flood warning, advises against staying in underground areas

In Nagoya, Japan, a highest level 5 flood warning has been issued due to record heavy rainfall, and people are being advised not to stay in underground areas due to the risk of water entering underground roads, underground shopping centers, and underground parking lots. Nagoya is also one of the regions where many young people from Myanmar go to study and work. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) announced that on the evening of September 8, a record rainfall of 104.5 millimeters was observed in Nagoya. The Japan Times reported that due to the heavy rainfall, a level 5 flood warning has been issued for the Shonai River, and flood warnings have been issued for 14 municipalities in Aichi and Gifu prefectures through which the river flows. "Those who are close to the school are fine. Those who are far from the school are told to sleep in the dormitory. Some people who finished school and went home did not return until late at night. Those who work also had to sleep at work because they could not return home. I heard that some workplaces do not even close during floods," a Myanmar national in Nagoya told the Ayeyarwaddy Times. According to the level 5 warning, people are urged to evacuate to nearby high-rise buildings or to the upper floors of their homes, which are safe. In some parts of underground areas such as Chikusa, Moriyama, and Meito wards, drainage systems have been unable to cope with the rainwater, and there is a risk of water entering underground roads, underground shopping centers, and underground parking lots, so people are advised not to stay in underground areas for extended periods. Furthermore, it was reported that the water level rose to the doors of vehicles traveling on the city's roads, forcing drivers to abandon their cars and flee to safety. Currently, many people have evacuated on their own due to the flooding, and no one is reported to be trapped by the floodwaters. Photo – Social Media Reference – The Japan Times