A car was submerged in water. Photo: Twitter

Kyushu railway company said the Shinkansen railway service in the two provinces had to stop operating.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has raised the warning for heavy rain for the first time in many parts of the two provinces. In Amakusa, Kumamoto Prefecture, rainfall was measured at 98 mm/h. The Kuma River in this province overflowed and caused severe flooding. The provincial authority has proposed deploying the Ground Defense Force (GSDF) to support disaster relief.

Many houses in Hitoyoshi area in Kumamoto prefecture are submerged in water. Photo: Kyodo

A family climbs to the roof to avoid the flood. Photo: Kyodo

A road in Hitoyoshi area after the flood swept. Photo: Kyodo

People in the area temporarily avoid flooding. Photo: Kyodo

Earlier, during an emergency Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ordered 10,000 soldiers ready to take part in rescue operations. In addition, he also directed authorities to quickly deliver relief goods to people in disaster areas.