Record-breaking heavy rain hits Kyushu: A Taiwan tour group stranded overnight in a bus due to sudden flash floods

▲Heavy rains have caused widespread disaster in Kyushu, Japan. Police, firefighters, and Japan Self-Defense Force personnel — around 7,500 in total — have been mobilized to assist with evacuations and search for missing persons. (Photo / Reuters)

Reported by Lai Wen-xuan / Taipei

Recently, Japan’s Kyushu region has been hit by record-breaking heavy rainfall, causing rivers in Fukuoka and Oita prefectures to overflow. Bridges and JR railway bridges have been washed away, forcing at least 500,000 people to evacuate. According to preliminary information from the Tourism Bureau, one tour group’s itinerary was disrupted on the 5th due to a sudden rise in river water levels, leaving them stranded in their tour bus overnight. They have now been freed and resumed their journey. Current statistics show that 94 tour groups, totaling 2,670 people, are traveling in the region, and all individuals are safe.

On the 6th, the Japan Meteorological Agency continued to issue heavy rain warnings for Fukuoka and Oita prefectures. In Asakura City, Fukuoka Prefecture, over 540 millimeters of rain fell within 24 hours — 1.5 times the average monthly rainfall for July. In Iki City, Nagasaki, more than 300 millimeters of rain fell in just 12 hours, breaking the 50-year record for heavy rainfall.

▲Heavy rainstorms hit Kyushu, Japan, with reports of disasters emerging across the region. (Photo / Screenshot from NHK)

According to preliminary information from the Tourism Bureau, there are currently about 94 tour groups — including those organized by Wu Fu, Shan Fu International, Da Xing, Xi Hong, Lion Travel, and Kuo Kuang Travel — comprising 2,670 people traveling in the area. After contacting these agencies, it has been confirmed that all members of the tour groups are safe.

However, one group of 29 tourists from Kuo Kuang Travel was unable to proceed due to flash flooding that blocked the roads. They remained in their tour bus overnight on the 5th. Fortunately, all individuals are safe and had adequate meals. On the 6th, they were able to continue their journey. In addition, a group of 28 tourists from Wu Fu Travel and two groups totaling 63 tourists from Xi Hong Travel changed their travel routes and continued their itineraries.

The Tourism Bureau stated that it has asked relevant travel agencies to pay attention to weather and road conditions, adjust itineraries as appropriate, and ensure the safety of travelers. Any incidents should be reported immediately.

▲Heavy rainstorms hit Kyushu, with rising floodwaters washing away a JR railway bridge. (Photo / Screenshot from Twitter @saorigrandpa)