Nearly 400,000 people are under the highest alert in southwestern Japan due to record rainfall, landslides, and severe flooding in Kumamoto.

Amid torrential rain and flooding in southwestern Japan, authorities have urged millions of people to evacuate. According to the disaster management agency, evacuation was recommended for more than three million people on Monday morning. Around 384,000 residents in the region of Kumamoto, the area hardest hit by the heavy rain, were placed under the highest warning level. Several people are missing following landslides.

"The situation is life-threatening," the Japan Meteorological Agency warned, citing the risk of landslides and flooding. "Even in places where disasters are not normally expected, maximum vigilance is required."

By early Monday morning, more than 37 centimeters of rain had fallen in the city of Tamana, a record for the region, according to the weather service. Media reports from various towns in Kumamoto showed homes, shops, and vehicles submerged in about a meter of water. Swollen rivers swept away vehicles and damaged roads.