75,000 ordered to evacuate as heavy rain lashes western Japan

Some 75,000 people were ordered to evacuate in western Japan Saturday as record heavy rain triggered floods and landslides, leaving scores stranded and 13 missing, according to local media and officials.

Television footage showed vehicles swamped at car parks near a flooding river, while several bridges were reportedly washed away.

Rescuers were searching for three people in Kumamoto after a landslide buried their house, public broadcaster NHK said. "We have issued evacuation orders after record heavy rain," said Toshiaki Mizukami, an official of Kumamoto prefecture.

An aerial view shows flooded Kuma River caused by a heavy rain at a residential area in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto prefecture, southern Japan, July 4, 2020. /Reuters

Japan's Meteorological Agency issued its highest grade of warning for floods and landslides triggered by the rain "never seen" before in the region, the broadcaster added.

Some train services, including Shinkansen bullet train operations, have been suspended in the region.

Japan is currently in its rainy season, which often causes floods and landslides and prompts local authorities to issue evacuation orders.

(Cover: Rising water caused by a heavy rain is seen along Kuma river in Yatsushiro, Kumamoto prefecture, southern Japan, July 4, 2020. /Reuters )

Source(s): AFP ,Reuters