Heavy rain hits southern and western Japan

Parts of western Japan have been hit by torrential rain.

Weather officials are warning against landslides and other disasters.

The Meteorological Agency says an active rain front is bringing downpours to the northern Kyushu and Chugoku regions.

The agency says a damp air mass is moving into the front, causing rain clouds to develop and bringing heavy rain in and around Tokyo.

The rain front is expected to become more active.
Up to 200 millimeters of rain is forecast in Kyushu by Tuesday afternoon. Chugoku is likely to have 100 millimeters of rain.

The total rainfall since Friday has exceeded 350 millimeters in some areas of Kyushu and Chugoku.

Weather officials are calling for caution against possible landslides, flooding and swollen rivers.

The also warn that some areas may have tornadoes, lightning strikes and hail.