Japan's Meteorological Agency says unusually heavy rain is battering Tochigi Prefecture. The region lies north of Tokyo.

The agency is urging people to remain vigilant and ensure their safety, as there is an increasing risk of mudslides and floods.

Extremely unstable atmospheric conditions in eastern and western Japan have brought bands of heavy rain clouds to the skies over Tochigi. That has led to downpours in some parts of the prefecture.

Weather officials believe about 110 millimeters of rain fell during a 1-hour period around Kanuma City and Shioya Town. They are calling on people in the prefecture to take safety measures.