Record rains and flooding across central and western Japan have caused 2 million people to be evacuated from their homes. More than 80 are reported dead, and many more are missing.
Widespread flooding
At least 80 people have died in torrential rains that pummeled wide areas of western Japan. Six people are in critical condition, and dozens are still missing, the public broadcaster NHK reported on Sunday. “We’ve never experienced this kind of rain before,” an official at the Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) told media.
Stranded in Japan
People fled to rooftops and balconies in the city of Kurashiki, at the mouth of the Takahashi River, about 670 kilometers (415 miles) from Tokyo. Many waited hours to be rescued. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe warned of a “race against time” to rescue flood victims, with many people still unaccounted for.
Evacuations
Japanese authorities ordered about 2 million people in rain-hit areas to evacuate their homes. Hiroshima prefecture has been severely affected by rains.
‘Race Against Time’
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called the situation “extremely serious” and ordered his government to “make an all-out effort” to rescue victims. “It’s a race against time,” Abe told ministers on Sunday morning. “There are still many people who have been unaccounted for. Some people have been isolated, calling for rescue.”
When the Earth moves
The heavy rains triggered massive landslides in some areas: “There have been massive flooding and landslides,” government spokesman Yoshihide Suga told a news conference.
Stopped in its Tracks
Japan mobilized tens of thousands of army troops, police and firefighters to undertake rescue efforts. Critical infrastructure has been hit, including railway tracks.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/japan-torrential-rains-leave-dozens-dead/g-44565132
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