TOKYO (AP) — Torrential rains battered southwestern Japan, causing flooding and mudslides and leaving at least six people missing on Monday.
Rains that have swept through the Kyushu and Chugoku regions since the weekend have caused flooding along several rivers as well as mudslides, road closures, train disruptions and power cuts. water supply in some areas.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued an emergency heavy rain warning for Fukuoka and Oita prefectures on the southern main island of Kyushu, urging residents of riverine and hillside areas to exercise caution. maximum caution. More than 1.7 million people in vulnerable areas have been asked to take shelter.
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency said at least six people were missing.
In Soeda City, Fukuoka Prefecture, two people were buried under a mudslide. One was rescued alive, but the other was found without vital signs, the agency said. Further information on their condition was not immediately available.
In Karatsu city, Saga prefecture, rescuers were searching for three people whose homes had been hit by a mudslide, the agency said.
Three others were missing elsewhere in the region.
Footage broadcast on NHK television showed muddy water from the flooded Yamakuni River gushing out of a bridge in Yabakei City, Oita Prefecture.