Key Facts
• Record-breaking rainfall hit Semboku City, Akita, starting August 19, 2025.
• Residents and officials are working to restore normalcy as quickly as possible.
• Flooding from the Hinokinai River caused widespread damage, leaving roads covered in dried mud.
• The “Paper Balloon Hall” area saw extensive cleanup efforts to remove dried mud.
• The Kamihinokinai Post Office was flooded up to 13 cm inside, with 20 cm of mud outside.
• Three employees safely evacuated during the flood; no injuries were reported.
• Cleanup began on August 21, with 30 postal workers from Tohoku assisting on August 22.
• Japan Post aims to restore postal services and ensure employee safety promptly.
• A volunteer center was established on August 21 to assess residents’ needs.
• Social welfare organizations are conducting surveys to support recovery efforts.
Summary
Semboku City in Akita Prefecture is grappling with the aftermath of record-breaking rainfall that began on August 19, 2025. Flooding from the Hinokinai River caused significant damage, leaving roads and facilities covered in mud. Key recovery efforts include cleaning the “Paper Balloon Hall” area and restoring the Kamihinokinai Post Office, which was flooded up to 13 cm. Cleanup operations began on August 21, with 30 postal workers from across Tohoku joining on August 22. A volunteer center has been set up to assess residents’ needs, while Japan Post is prioritizing the restoration of services and employee safety. Authorities and residents are working tirelessly to return to normalcy as soon as possible.
