Desperate searches as dozens feared dead in Japan floods

The floods washed away roads and bridges, leaving many in isolated communities cut off

Last updated: July 06, 2020 | 11:52

AFP and Compiled by Christian Borbon, Digital Content Editor

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Rescue workers in Japan on Monday combed through the wreckage of houses shattered by deadly floods and landslides in a desperate search for survivors as the death toll rose and more torrential rain loomed.

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At least 36 people are feared dead after record rains lashed areas of western Japan in the early hours of Saturday, causing rivers to break banks and flooding low-lying regions.

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"Rescue workers are tirelessly continuing the search this morning," a spokesman for the western Kumamoto prefecture told AFP, with at least 11 people still unaccounted for.

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Although the rain has subsided from its peak levels, the floods washed away roads and bridges, leaving many in isolated communities cut off.

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The floods in Kumamoto region on the southwestern island of Kyushu have destroyed houses, swept away vehicles and caused bridges to collapse, leaving many towns submerged and communities cut off.

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A couple walks in front of houses damaged by flood in Kuma village, Kumamoto prefecture.

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People watch a search operation at the site of a mudslide in Ashikita town.

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A street is covered by debris and mud in a flooded affected area following torrential rain in Ashikita, Kumamoto prefecture.

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A street covered by Debris in a flood-affected area following torrential rain in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto prefecture.

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Local residents are rescued by Japanese Self-Defence Force soldiers using a boat at a flooding area caused by a heavy rain in Kuma village.

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A building structure washed away by flooding due to torrential rain is seen on a street in Hitoyoshi.

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A house damaged by flooding due to torrential rain in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto prefecture.

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An aerial view shows flood-hit area in Hitoyoshi, Kumamoto prefecture.

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