Emergency Warnings for Izu Island landslides revised

Emergency Warnings for Izu Island landslides revised

The Japan Meteorological Agency revised its Emergency Warning for landslides in the Izu Islands from Level 5 to Level 4 at 4 a.m. on Tuesday. But the risk of disasters in the islands due to record rainfall remains extremely high.

The agency issued Level 5 Emergency Warnings on Monday for the town of Oshima and the villages of Niijima and Toshima. The islands are located off central Tokyo.

In the 48 hours through 9 p.m. on Monday, 741 millimeters of rain fell on Oshima Island. That's about twice the average amount for the month of September.

Weather officials say the heavy rain could continue in many parts of the country over the next few days.

They are urging people to remain on high alert for landslides and swollen or overflowing rivers, and for flooding in low-lying areas.