Japanese weather officials have issued an alert on significant rainfall for the western prefectures of Fukuoka, Saga and Oita. They are urging people to stay vigilant and ensure safety as the risk of mudslides and flooding is dramatically rising.

The Japan Meteorological Agency says bands of clouds that cause torrential rain have been covering the areas since early Monday morning.

The agency says the clouds are attributable to the seasonal rain front that currently extends over the country. It says the front is expected to remain almost stationary through Tuesday.

Firefighters in the town of Soeda in Fukuoka Prefecture say a mudslide hit a home, engulfing a couple in their 70s. They say the two people were pulled from the mud, and that the husband is conscious while the wife remains unconscious.

Downpours are forecast to continue across northern Kyushu, which encompasses the three prefectures, through Monday noon. Heavy rain is also predicted for the Chugoku region, which is situated just east of Kyushu.

The ground across much of the two regions has already loosened due to heavy rain in recent days, with some sections of river levees damaged. The conditions are heightening the risk of rain-related disasters.

The Meteorological Agency is calling on people to stay on the alert for mudslides and flooding as well as lightning and gusty winds.