Event
Ashikaga City in Tochigi Prefecture has issued an "Emergency Safety Assurance" order to 17,812 residents across 8,679 households in the Keno and Tomita districts. The directive, effective from 00:30 on July 18, was triggered by a heightened risk of flooding in the Hata River flowing through the city.
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The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued a linear rainband imminent prediction for the region as local authorities activate Level 5 Emergency Safety Assurance orders.
Background
Sano City in Tochigi Prefecture has issued the highest-level "Emergency Safety Assurance" order (Level 5) for 2,249 households (6,520 people) near the Hagi River following confirmed flooding. This directive, issued on July 18, 2026, urges residents to immediately check their surroundings and move to shelters. Concurrently, Ashikaga City in the same prefecture issued a similar Level 5 order for 17,812 residents due to flooding risks in the Hata River. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a 'linear rainband imminent prediction' warning for southern Tochigi and Gunma prefectures shortly after, highlighting the severe weather conditions driving these emergency measures.
Sano City in Tochigi Prefecture has issued the highest-level "Emergency Safety Assurance" order (Level 5) for 2,249 households (6,520 people) near the Hagi River following confirmed flooding. This directive, issued on July 18, 2026, urges residents to immediately check their surr
Fact cards
Key entities: NHK News Japan, Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, Hata River, Sano City, Hagi River, NHK.
What is the highest level of disaster alert in Japan? Level 5, which indicates that lives are at imminent risk and immediate evacuation is required. How many people are affected by the Sano City emergency order? 6,520 people across 2,249 households living near the Hagi River. Why
2026-07-18T00:30: Ashikaga City issues Level 5 Emergency Safety Assurance order for 17,812 residents due to Hata River flooding risks. 2026-07-18T00:49: Sano City issues Level 5 Emergency Safety Assurance order for 2,249 households (6,520 people) near the Hagi River after floodin
Timeline
Ashikaga City issues Level 5 Emergency Safety Assurance order for 17,812 residents due to Hata River flooding risks.
Sano City issues Level 5 Emergency Safety Assurance order for 2,249 households (6,520 people) near the Hagi River after flooding occurred.
Japan Meteorological Agency issues 'linear rainband imminent prediction' warning for southern Tochigi and Gunma prefectures.
FAQ
Level 5, which indicates that lives are at imminent risk and immediate evacuation is required.
6,520 people across 2,249 households living near the Hagi River.
Confirmed flooding in the Hagi River triggered the highest-level safety assurance order.
Yes, Ashikaga City issued a similar Level 5 order for 17,812 residents due to flooding risks in the Hata River.
It is a specific Japanese disaster prevention measure, functioning as a mandatory evacuation or safety directive rather than a general advisory.
The order affects 17,812 residents across 8,679 households in the Keno and Tomita districts.
The directive was triggered by a heightened risk of flooding in the Hata River flowing through the city.
Yes, similar flood warnings and disaster risks are being reported in Sano City and areas along the Tone River system in Gunma.