Key Facts
• From August 19 to 20, heavy rain caused flooding in Assabu, Hokkaido.
• 94 mm of rain fell in 48 hours in the Uzura area of Assabu.
• The Kozura River overflowed, flooding nearby rice fields and farmland.
• Farmer Kazunori Funase’s 3-hectare rice field was submerged, causing $100,000 in damages.
• The rice, expected to yield a bumper harvest, is now unsalvageable due to mud and water damage.
• Bridges clogged with driftwood worsened the flooding in the area.
• Six buildings in Hakodate and Otobe experienced above-floor flooding.
• Eight buildings in Hakodate, Hokuto, and Nanae suffered below-floor flooding.
• Roads in northern Hokkaido, such as Route 275, were impassable due to water overflow.
• Authorities warn of continued heavy rain, landslides, and river flooding in southern and northern Hokkaido.
Summary
Heavy rain from August 19 to 20 caused significant flooding in Assabu, Hokkaido, with 94 mm of rainfall recorded in 48 hours. The Kozura River overflowed, submerging nearby rice fields, including a 3-hectare field owned by farmer Kazunori Funase, resulting in $100,000 in damages. The rice, which was nearing harvest, is now unsalvageable. Bridges clogged with driftwood exacerbated the flooding. Additionally, six buildings in Hakodate and Otobe experienced above-floor flooding, while eight buildings in Hakodate, Hokuto, and Nanae suffered below-floor flooding. Roads in northern Hokkaido, such as Route 275, were rendered impassable. Authorities have issued warnings for continued heavy rain, landslides, and river flooding in the region.
