Deep floodwaters and the risk of more mudslides that left at least 34 people confirmed or presumed dead hampered search and rescue operations Sunday in southern Japan, including at elderly home facilities where more than a dozen died and scores were still stranded. Large areas along the Kuma River were swallowed by floodwaters, with many houses, buildings and vehicles submerged almost up to their roofs. Local residents are seen on Sunday during a rescue by Japanese Self-Defence Force soldiers in Kuma village in southern Japan. Overall, 18 people were confirmed dead, while 16 others, including those at the nursing home, were presumed dead. More than 200,000 residents in Kumamoto prefecture were urged to evacuate following pounding rains on Friday evening and into Saturday.

Source: CBC News July 05, 2020 11:25 UTC