This came from the city:

This came from the city:

“Tropical Cyclone Information TY 1408 (NEOGURI) is comming close to Kyushu(Kumamoto) June 11th , 2014

A heavy rain advisory has been issued for the following areas: kumamoto Pref. Tropical Cyclone Information TY 1408 (NEOGURI) is comming close to Kyushu(Kumamoto). Please note more Tropical Cyclone information. Japan Meteorological Agency HP http://www.jma.go.jp/en/typh/

If you have any concerns, feel free to contact the Kumamoto City International Foundation (Kumamoto City International Center). (TEL) 096-359-4995 (9a.m.〜8p.m.)”

I appreciate the hard work of the city officials who put this information out in English. I think, though, that we also need an automated system in English (and other languages) that runs in parallel to the Japanese e-mail warning system.