Japan floods and mudslides leave dozens dead, missing

34 either confirmed or feared dead, including 14 at nursing home, following torrential rain

Residents trying to clean up their home damaged by floodwaters due to the torrential rain in Hitoyoshi yesterday. Communities along the Kuma River, which passes through Hitoyoshi, have been hit hard by flooding and over 200,000 people have been urged
A building structure being washed away by floodwaters on a street in Hitoyoshi city, Kumamoto prefecture, yesterday. PHOTOS: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

TOKYO • About 34 people are either confirmed or feared dead - including 14 at a nursing home - after torrential rain in Japan triggered massive floods and mudslides.

Rescuers were searching for 14 people missing after floods hit the Kumamoto region on the southwestern island of Kyushu, destroying houses, sweeping away vehicles and causing bridges to collapse.

The regional government yesterday confirmed 18 people had died, while another 16 were in a state of "cardio-respiratory arrest" - a term often used in Japan before a doctor officially certifies death.

Fourteen of the victims were at a nursing home that was inundated when local rivers broke their banks. Emergency services rescued 50 people from the facility.

Over 200,000 have been urged to evacuate as the authorities request those in emergency shelters to wash their hands, wear masks and maintain social distance to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

"We will do our utmost to prevent the spread of the infection and make the lives of those who had to flee their homes as comfortable as possible," Disaster Management Minister Ryota Takeda told reporters after visiting a gymnasium in Hitoyoshi city, where 600 residents are sheltering.

At a Cabinet-level disaster meeting in Tokyo, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledged to offer financial support, while warning Kumamoto residents to brace themselves for more rain.

"As we speak, more than 40,000 personnel from police, fire service, coast guard and Self-Defence (Forces) are conducting search and rescue operations which will continue through the night," Mr Abe said. "Saving lives is our priority."

Heavy rain is expected in the region through today, Mr Abe added. "We must remain vigilant," he said, warning residents to monitor news for further risks associated with flooding and landslides.

Communities along the Kuma River, which passes through Hitoyoshi, have been hit hard by the floodwaters.

Although the downpour had eased in Kumamoto by yesterday morning, collapsed bridges and blocked roads due to flooding and mudslides have left many isolated in the region.

Residents trying to clean up their home damaged by floodwaters due to the torrential rain in Hitoyoshi yesterday. Communities along the Kuma River, which passes through Hitoyoshi, have been hit hard by flooding and over 200,000 people have been urged
Residents trying to clean up their home damaged by floodwaters due to the torrential rain in Hitoyoshi yesterday. Communities along the Kuma River, which passes through Hitoyoshi, have been hit hard by flooding and over 200,000 people have been urged to evacuate.

A large SOS sign was created on the grounds of what used to be an elementary school in Yatsushiro city, where about 10 people were seen waving white towels at rescue and media helicopters.

Rescue workers and troops from the Self-Defence Forces used boats and helicopters to reach those stranded.

Japan is currently in its rainy season, which often causes floods and landslides. In 2018, flooding in western Japan killed more than 200 people.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 06, 2020, with the headline Japan floods and mudslides leave dozens dead, missing. Subscribe