Nearly 850,000 people are understood to have been served evacuation orders after torrential downpours lashed the southern island of Kyushu on Wednesday (28 August).

Japan’s meteorological agency has issued a level five alert, its highest. News agencies in the country report two people having died as a result of the extreme weather conditions.

The rain has halted some rail services on the island, shut major roads and affected power supplies.

The FCO has updated its travel advice for Japan, with specific reference to towns and cities in Fukuoka, Saga and Nagasaki prefectures.

“Heavy rain warnings have been issued in the Kyushu region and evacuation orders issued by cities and towns in Fukuoka, Saga and Nagasaki prefectures,” said the FCO.

“You should follow local media and the Japan Meteorological Agency for weather updates and follow the advice of local authorities and emergency services, including any evacuation orders.”