A Japanese weather official says the risk of disasters is extremely high in areas of northern Kyushu where a heavy rain emergency warning -- the highest alert possible -- has been issued. He is advising residents to take immediate steps to ensure their safety.

The Japan Meteorological Agency held a news conference on Monday morning after it issued the warning for Fukuoka Prefecture.

Agency official Sugimoto Satoshi said the areas where the warning has been issued will likely experience unprecedentedly heavy rain.

He said it is highly likely that rain-related disasters have already occurred, particularly in communities where mudslides or floods have been predicted.

He also advised residents who cannot evacuate to designated shelters to exercise maximum caution by moving to high ground and staying in buildings away from cliffs.

Sugimoto said the agency may expand the emergency warning to cover additional municipalities, but urged residents to not wait as it would be too late to evacuate.

He urged them to take proactive steps to protect their lives and those of their loved ones based on information from local authorities.