TOKYO, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Japan's weather agency on Sunday issued its highest-level emergency warning for heavy rain for some areas in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan, amid reports of mudslides and vehicles stranded on flooded roads.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued the Level 5 emergency warning for the cities of Fukui, Ono and Katsuyama, warning that a disaster was already occurring or was highly likely to occur.
In the 24 hours to Sunday morning, Katsuyama, Sakai and Fukui received a record rainfall of over 300 millimeters, the JMA said.
Weather officials urged people to be on the highest alert for flooding in low-lying areas, overflowing rivers and mudslides. Caution was also advised against thunder strikes, tornadoes and gusty winds.
Live footage provided by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism shows rivers swollen by heavy rain, Kyodo News reported.
The ministry may take the emergency step of discharging water from a dam in Sakai to secure more room as water levels are rising, it added. ■