Japan body count rises to at least 82 as ‘historic’ rains continue to unleash massive flooding
An emergency meeting is held in Tokyo as dykes burst, roads are damaged and bridges are swept away. The number of casualties is expected to continue to rise as rescue operations unfold.
At least 82 people have died and over 50 remained missing on Sunday after torrential rains triggered massive flooding and landslides in western Japan, with rescue operations continuing in disaster-hit areas.
Rescuers expanded their search for those still missing and stranded, with 54,000 personnel from the police, fire services, the Self-Defence Forces and the Japan Coast Guard now involved.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency had issued rare “emergency warnings” against landslides, rising rivers, strong winds and lightning strikes caused by what it called “historic” rains in 23 prefectures across the western and central parts of the country.
Such warnings are issued in anticipation of the sort of extreme conditions that occur just once or twice in 50 years.
Evacuation orders or advisories were issued for up to 5.9 million people in 19 prefectures at one point, while over 30,000 people were staying at evacuation centres as of 3pm on Sunday, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency.
Many people are also believed to be stranded in their homes because many access roads are flooded.
As damage in affected areas is unfolding, the number of casualties is expected to rise as many landslides were not immediately confirmed by local authorities.