2013.03.21
Ishigaki man dies in heavy rain induced flash flood
The whole Okinawa region experienced heavy rains and strong winds, Monday, and Ishigaki Island had the heaviest rainfall ever on record for March.
The record-heavy rainfall on Ishigaki resulted in one man being swept away into a swollen roadside ditch to his death.
According to Ishigaki City officials, there were 17 houses where the water rose up to floor boards, six roads flooded, three roads were damaged, and four vehicles were submerged. On Iriomote Island one house and two roads flooded. On Kume Island two cars were blown away by strong winds, and a metal roof of a building was blown away in Uruma City.
According to Okinawa metrological observatory, the amount of rainfall at Tonoshiro, Ishigaki City was recorded at 94 mm per hour that is the highest ever on record in March. The total rainfall at Tonoshiro between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. was recorded at 254 mm, also a record for March in one day. Taketomi Town recorded 81.5mm per hour, and 283 mm between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. That also is the highest ever on record in the area.