Kagoshima weather: Entire Japanese city of 600,000 people evacuated as nearly 40 inches of rain sparks landslide fears

Japan has ordered the evacuation of almost the entire population of 600,000 people from Kagoshima City after heavy rains threatened landslides and other damage.

Some parts of the southern island of Kyushu have received up to 1,000 mm (34.9 inches) of rain since Friday, triggering the evacuation of nearly 800,000 people from homes across the country.

Forecasters expect as much as 350 mm to fall in some areas by midday on Thursday, the broadcaster NHK said.

Japan has order people to take shelter in evacuation centres and other safe areas on Wednesday.

Evacuation orders were issued for nearly 600,000 residents of Kagoshima city and two smaller cities in the same prefecture, the broadcaster said.

The city has a population of around 600,000 people according to data from the city.

Another 310,000 residents of the island were advised to find shelter, Kyodo News reported.

In Tokyo, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said residents should "take steps to protect their lives, including early evacuation”

Mr Abe also ordered the military to prepare for rescue operations if needed.

The Prime Minister was criticised for the government's slow response last July when heavy rains triggered landslides and floods, killing more than 200 people in Japan's worst weather disaster in 36 years.

Agencies contributed to this report.

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