A+ A-

Death toll in Japan's downpour reaches 57, rescue operations continues

TOKYO, July 8 (KUNA) -- Search and Rescue operations in Japan's southwestern region Kyushu, as 17 people are still missing, after heavy rains that swamped the region last weekend.
At least 54 people reported dead from a series of mudslides and floods caused by intense rain in the hardest-hit Kumamoto Prefecture, about 1,000 km southwest of Tokyo, local authorities said.
On Wednesday, downpours that have struck Kyushu Island extended into the central and eastern Japan, prompting the local governments to issue evacuation orders and advisories for residents in Gifu and Nagano prefectures.
The Japan Meteorological Agency also urged residents in the affected areas to exercise caution against possible landslides and flooding of rivers. (end) mk.nhq