Wakayama issues highest flood alert as Typhoon 6 triggers river crisis
Level 5 warning issued for Kozagawa River amid widespread power outages and transport disruptions across southern Japan.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) and Wakayama Prefecture have issued a Level 5 Flood Special Warning for the Kozagawa River at 5:35 am on June 3, 2026. The alert, which represents the highest level in Japan’s five-tier disaster system, covers the river flowing through Kozagawa Town and Kishimoto Town. Authorities indicate that flooding has likely already occurred, necessitating maximum vigilance from residents in the affected areas.
The escalation follows the development of a line-shaped precipitation band in the region, a meteorological phenomenon that has intensified rainfall across southern Japan. A meteorological disaster warning for this band was issued earlier in the morning for southern Tokushima Prefecture, confirming the active nature of the weather system. The JMA had previously issued an imminent prediction for the band on June 2, covering parts of Wakayama, Kochi, northern Tokushima, and Mie.
Concurrent with the flood warning, Wakayama Prefecture announced an "Emergency Safety Assurance" order for parts of Kishimoto Town at 5:19 am. This measure, which precedes evacuation orders in severe cases, signals that residents are required to take immediate action to ensure their safety. A JMA press conference is scheduled for 6:30 am to provide further details on the warning and the evolving situation.
The crisis has caused significant infrastructure disruption across the region. Approximately 17,000 households across Shikoku experienced power outages in the early hours of June 3. The impact of Typhoon 6 extends beyond Wakayama, with widespread transport cancellations reported in the Tokyo area, including suspensions of train services and flight cancellations at Haneda Airport.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as the precipitation band moves through the country. The combination of heavy rainfall, river flooding, and widespread power failures underscores the severity of Typhoon 6’s impact on Japan’s southern regions. Residents are urged to adhere to all official safety instructions and remain vigilant against further deterioration of conditions.
