Japan rescuers battle to reach thousands trapped by floodsThe devastation has been widespread. TAKAYAMA: Japanese emergency services and troops were scrambling on Thursday to reach thousands of homes cut off by devastating flooding and landslides that have killed dozens and caused widespread damage. After five days blocked by floodwater and landslides, troops finally managed to rescue some 40 residents in the village of Ashikita in the Kumamoto region. Complicating the rescue efforts has been the coronavirus pandemic, which has claimed nearly 1,000 lives in Japan from more than 20,000 cases. Japan is in the middle of its annual rainy season and often sees damaging floods and landslides during this period that lasts several weeks.

Source: Bangkok Post July 09, 2020 00:33 UTC