Typhoon Maria made landfall in Japan on Monday (August 12), prompting officials to issue the highest level-five-emergency-warning to thousands in northeastern Japan.

Trees were fallen on the roads of Ofunato in Iwate Prefecture as community centres in Kesennuma of the neighbouring Miyagi Prefecture were set up as evacuation centres.

Kuji City in Iwate Prefecture issued the highest warning to 8,300 residents after officials decided to have an emergency water release at the city’s Tak Dam, according to public broadcaster NHK.

The typhoon has brought a record 471 mm (18.5 inches) of rain in 48 hours up until the morning of August 12 in Kuji City, the most since record-keeping began by the Japan Meteorological Agency, according to NHK.

Weather officials have called on locals to stay vigilant for mudslides, flooding, strong winds and high waves.