Heavy rain has continued in the parts of northeastern Japan, causing extensive flooding and raising risks of landslides.

Authorities are calling on people to be alert and to stay safe.

The Japan Meteorological Agency said the rain front, fueled by warm, moist air, has been dumping rain on the Sea of Japan coast.

The city of Akita had record rainfall exceeding 250 millimeters over a 48-hour period through Sunday afternoon. Some spots in Akita prefecture have also experienced massive rainfall totaling more for a day than the average for the entire month of July.

A man who apparently called police saying he was at risk of drowning in his car has been confirmed dead. Local officers pulled him out of a vehicle that was trapped in the town of Gojome on Sunday morning.

Floods struck Akita city and its surrounding area. Several smaller rivers in the prefecture have overflowed, and some areas are under evacuation orders.

Local officials say the risk of flooding is extremely high in the upper and lower reaches of the Omono river.

The authorities have issued landslide alerts for parts of Akita, Iwate, and Yamagata prefectures.

Rain is expected to continue in northeastern Japan.
Weather officials warn of flooding in low-lying areas, overflowing rivers and landslides.