Record heavy rain caused rivers to overflow, washing away bridges and cars and forcing the evacuation of thousands of people across parts of northern Japan, said officials and media reports on Friday (Jul&nbsp;26).

One person died and four are missing after the heavy downpours in Yamagata and Akita prefectures on the main island of Honshu.

Police reported that a 60-year-old man was missing after a landslide at roadworks in Yuzawa City, while an 86-year-old man was unaccounted for after last being seen on a riverbank in Akita City.

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According to media reports, one body was found in Akita City.

A local official in Yamagata, where two rivers burst their banks, told AFP that "three people, including two police officers who were on a mission searching for a missing man, are unaccounted for."

Two parts of the Yamagata region experienced the highest 24-hour rainfall since records began in 1976, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said on Friday.

Meanwhile, the Shinjo region&nbsp;recorded 389 millimetres and Sakata 289 millimetres.

Authorities issued evacuation orders to more than 200,000 people, Japan's&nbsp;fire and disaster management agency said.&nbsp;

Despite the severe conditions, at least 4,000 people evacuated to shelters, according to public broadcaster NHK.

At least 3,060 households were reported to be without power, while 1,100 had no running water.&nbsp;

Government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi told&nbsp;reporters&nbsp;that some motorways have been closed in the area and Shinkansen bullet trains have suspended operations due to the heavy rainfall.&nbsp;

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Notably, Japan's weather agency earlier this week issued its highest emergency alert for heavy rains for Sakata and Yuza in the Yamagata region.

Later, the warning was downgraded by one notch in the country's five-tier warning system, but authorities urged the public to remain vigilant for potential landslides and flooding.

The Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts around 100 to 200 millimetres of rain per day will continue for the next three days.

(With inputs from agencies)

Record heavy rain caused rivers to overflow, washing away bridges and cars and forcing the evacuation of thousands of people across parts of northern Japan, said officials and media reports on Friday (Jul 26).

Record heavy rain caused rivers to overflow, washing away bridges and cars and forcing the evacuation of thousands of people across parts of northern Japan, said officials and media reports on Friday (Jul 26). One person died and four are missing after the heavy downpours in Yamagata and Akita prefectures on the main island of Honshu. Police reported that a 60-year-old man was missing after a landslide at roadworks in Yuzawa City, while an 86-year-old man was unaccounted for after last being seen on a riverbank in Akita City. Also read: French high-speed rail network sabotaged ahead of Olympics opening ceremony According to media reports, one body was found in Akita City. A local official in Yamagata, where two rivers burst their banks, told AFP that "three people, including two police officers who were on a mission searching for a missing man, are unaccounted for." Two parts of the Yamagata region experienced the highest 24-hour rainfall since records began in 1976, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said on Friday. Meanwhile, the Shinjo region recorded 389 millimetres and Sakata 289 millimetres. Authorities issued evacuation orders to more than 200,000 people, Japan's fire and disaster management agency said. Despite the severe conditions, at least 4,000 people evacuated to shelters, according to public broadcaster NHK. At least 3,060 households were reported to be without power, while 1,100 had no running water. Government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters that some motorways have been closed in the area and Shinkansen bullet trains have suspended operations due to the heavy rainfall. Also read: Typhoon Gaemi hits China, displaces nearly 300,000 in eastern region Notably, Japan's weather agency earlier this week issued its highest emergency alert for heavy rains for Sakata and Yuza in the Yamagata region. Later, the warning was downgraded by one notch in the country's five-tier warning system, but authorities urged the public to remain vigilant for potential landslides and flooding. The Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts around 100 to 200 millimetres of rain per day will continue for the next three days. (With inputs from agencies)

At least one killed, thousands evacuated amid record rainfall in Japan

Japan has asked locals to seek shelter and prepare for emergency evacuations as torrential rain triggered floods and landslides have put nearly two million lives in danger.<o:p></o:p>

In the western region of Japan, landslides and floods led to the death of at least one local and three people who have been reported missing.<o:p></o:p>

Seven regions have issued the highest level of evacuation orders as the level of rains are expected to increase in the near future. The order has mainly been issued for residents of the Kyushu island.

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While rescue operations have already begun, a 59-year-old woman has been declared dead and two of her family members are reported missing after a landslide razed two houses in the Unzen and Nagasaki.<o:p></o:p>

"More than 150 troops, police and firefighters were dispatched to the site for rescue operations,"&nbsp;Takumi Kumasaki&nbsp;told news agency AFP. "They are carefully searching for the missing residents while watching out for further mudslides as the heavy rain continues."

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The reason behind 14 rivers bursting their banks and 14 landslides is climate change, scientists have claimed. Experts believe climate change is increasing the risk of heavy rainfalls in the area as a warmer temperature holds more water.<o:p></o:p>

"It's highly likely that some kind of disaster has already occurred,"&nbsp;Yushi Adachi, a meteorological agency official told local reporters. "The maximum alert is needed even in areas where risks of landslides and flooding are usually not so high."<o:p></o:p>

Local news reports have shown rescue officials going in boats to evacuate and save the locals from the affected areas.<o:p></o:p>

Japan has asked locals to seek shelter and prepare for emergency evacuations as torrential rain triggered floods and landslides have put nearly two million lives in danger.

Japan has asked locals to seek shelter and prepare for emergency evacuations as torrential rain triggered floods and landslides have put nearly two million lives in danger. In the western region of Japan, landslides and floods led to the death of at least one local and three people who have been reported missing. Seven regions have issued the highest level of evacuation orders as the level of rains are expected to increase in the near future. The order has mainly been issued for residents of the Kyushu island. Also read | Japan PM Suga urges travel curbs as COVID-19 cases surge before Paralympics While rescue operations have already begun, a 59-year-old woman has been declared dead and two of her family members are reported missing after a landslide razed two houses in the Unzen and Nagasaki. "More than 150 troops, police and firefighters were dispatched to the site for rescue operations," Takumi Kumasaki told news agency AFP. "They are carefully searching for the missing residents while watching out for further mudslides as the heavy rain continues." Also read | Watch: 39, 910-tonne ship splits in two and spills oil off Japan's coast The reason behind 14 rivers bursting their banks and 14 landslides is climate change, scientists have claimed. Experts believe climate change is increasing the risk of heavy rainfalls in the area as a warmer temperature holds more water. "It's highly likely that some kind of disaster has already occurred," Yushi Adachi, a meteorological agency official told local reporters. "The maximum alert is needed even in areas where risks of landslides and flooding are usually not so high." Local news reports have shown rescue officials going in boats to evacuate and save the locals from the affected areas.

Several areas in Japan issue evacuation alert after floods and landslides

Emergency services in western Japan were "racing against time" Tuesday to rescue people stranded by devastating floods and landslides that have killed at least 52, as the country braced for more torrential downpours.

Japan's Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued its second-highest emergency warning for heavy rain and landslides over vast swathes of the country's southwest and said "risks are rising" nationwide.

Television footage showed swollen rivers breaking their banks and sweeping away bridges while landslides destroyed roads and buried houses, complicating access for the 80,000 rescue personnel battling to save lives.

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At least 52&nbsp;deaths have been confirmed in the rains that began early Saturday, top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said, but the toll is expected to rise, with four more feared dead and over a dozen reported missing.

He warned that more heavy rain was forecast over the next two days, saying: "Even a small amount of rainfall could cause a disaster. I would like people to be on full alert against landslides and floods."

In the hardest-hit region of Kumamoto, on the southwest tip of Japan, disaster management official Yutaro Hamasaki said: "We are racing against time."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pictures%3A-battling-the-deadly-japan-floods--149908">In pictures: Battling the deadly Japan floods</a>

"We have not set any deadline or time to end the operation, but we really need to speed up our search as time is running out. We won't give up to the end," Hamasaki said.

Fourteen of the dead were wheelchair-bound residents of a nursing home unable to escape to higher ground as the waters rose.

A rescue worker who searched the facility told NHK: "The ground floor was filled with water and we couldn't get into it. Some people managed to evacuate to the first floor. I've never experienced anything like this in my life."

Further complicating evacuation efforts was the fear of spreading the coronavirus.

Japan has been relatively lightly affected by the pandemic, with just under 20,000 cases and fewer than 1,000 deaths.

But the need to maintain social distancing has reduced capacity at evacuation shelters.

The disaster has also compounded problems for businesses already hard hit by the pandemic.

Japan is in the middle of its annual rainy season, which frequently unleashes deadly floods and landslides. Climate change has intensified the risks of heavy rains, because a warmer atmosphere holds more water.

In 2018, more than 200 people died in devastating floods in the same region of Japan.

Emergency services in western Japan were "racing against time" Tuesday to rescue people stranded by devastating floods and landslides that have killed at least 52, as the country braced for more torrential downpours.

Emergency services in western Japan were "racing against time" Tuesday to rescue people stranded by devastating floods and landslides that have killed at least 52, as the country braced for more torrential downpours. Japan's Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued its second-highest emergency warning for heavy rain and landslides over vast swathes of the country's southwest and said "risks are rising" nationwide. Television footage showed swollen rivers breaking their banks and sweeping away bridges while landslides destroyed roads and buried houses, complicating access for the 80,000 rescue personnel battling to save lives. At least 52 deaths have been confirmed in the rains that began early Saturday, top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said, but the toll is expected to rise, with four more feared dead and over a dozen reported missing. He warned that more heavy rain was forecast over the next two days, saying: "Even a small amount of rainfall could cause a disaster. I would like people to be on full alert against landslides and floods." In the hardest-hit region of Kumamoto, on the southwest tip of Japan, disaster management official Yutaro Hamasaki said: "We are racing against time." In pictures: Battling the deadly Japan floods "We have not set any deadline or time to end the operation, but we really need to speed up our search as time is running out. We won't give up to the end," Hamasaki said. Fourteen of the dead were wheelchair-bound residents of a nursing home unable to escape to higher ground as the waters rose. A rescue worker who searched the facility told NHK: "The ground floor was filled with water and we couldn't get into it. Some people managed to evacuate to the first floor. I've never experienced anything like this in my life." Further complicating evacuation efforts was the fear of spreading the coronavirus. Japan has been relatively lightly affected by the pandemic, with just under 20,000 cases and fewer than 1,000 deaths. But the need to maintain social distancing has reduced capacity at evacuation shelters. The disaster has also compounded problems for businesses already hard hit by the pandemic. Japan is in the middle of its annual rainy season, which frequently unleashes deadly floods and landslides. Climate change has intensified the risks of heavy rains, because a warmer atmosphere holds more water. In 2018, more than 200 people died in devastating floods in the same region of Japan.

Japan : Atleast 52 dead in floods and landslides as rescuers 'race against time'

About 34 people are feared or confirmed dead -- including 14 at a nursing home -- after torrential rain in Japan triggered massive floods and mudslides.&nbsp;Rescuers have been searching for 14 people missing after floods hit the Kumamoto region on the southwestern island of Kyushu.

Japan is currently in its rainy season, which often causes floods and landslides and prompts local authorities to issue evacuation orders.

The regional government confirmed 18 people had died, while another 16 were in a critical state.

Fourteen of the victims were at a nursing home that was inundated when local rivers broke their banks. Emergency services rescued 50 people from the facility.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/14-feared-dead-at-flooded-nursing-home-in-japan-310673">Also read |&nbsp;14 feared dead at flooded nursing home in Japan</a>

More than 2,00,000 people have been urged to evacuate as authorities requested those in emergency shelters to wash their hands, wear masks and maintain social distance to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

At a cabinet-level meeting in Tokyo on the disaster, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledged to offer financial support, while warning residents in Kumamoto to brace for more rain.

Heavy rain is expected in the region through Monday, Abe added.&nbsp;He also warned residents to monitor news for further risks associated with flooding and landslides.

Communities along the Kuma River, which passes through Hitoyoshi, have been hit hard by the floodwaters.

Although the rain had eased in Kumamoto by Sunday morning, collapsed bridges and blocked roads due to flooding and mudslides have left many isolated in the region.

A large "SOS" sign was created on the grounds of what used to be an elementary school in Yatsushiro city, where about 10 people waved white towels at rescue and media helicopters.

Rescue workers and troops from the Self-Defense Forces used boats and helicopters to reach those stranded.

(with inputs from AFP)

About 34 people are feared or confirmed dead -- including 14 at a nursing home -- after torrential rain in Japan triggered massive floods and mudslides. Rescuers have been searching for 14 people missing after floods hit the Kumamoto region on the southwestern island of Kyushu.

About 34 people are feared or confirmed dead -- including 14 at a nursing home -- after torrential rain in Japan triggered massive floods and mudslides. Rescuers have been searching for 14 people missing after floods hit the Kumamoto region on the southwestern island of Kyushu. Japan is currently in its rainy season, which often causes floods and landslides and prompts local authorities to issue evacuation orders. The regional government confirmed 18 people had died, while another 16 were in a critical state. Fourteen of the victims were at a nursing home that was inundated when local rivers broke their banks. Emergency services rescued 50 people from the facility. Also read | 14 feared dead at flooded nursing home in Japan More than 2,00,000 people have been urged to evacuate as authorities requested those in emergency shelters to wash their hands, wear masks and maintain social distance to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. At a cabinet-level meeting in Tokyo on the disaster, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pledged to offer financial support, while warning residents in Kumamoto to brace for more rain. Heavy rain is expected in the region through Monday, Abe added. He also warned residents to monitor news for further risks associated with flooding and landslides. Communities along the Kuma River, which passes through Hitoyoshi, have been hit hard by the floodwaters. Although the rain had eased in Kumamoto by Sunday morning, collapsed bridges and blocked roads due to flooding and mudslides have left many isolated in the region. A large "SOS" sign was created on the grounds of what used to be an elementary school in Yatsushiro city, where about 10 people waved white towels at rescue and media helicopters. Rescue workers and troops from the Self-Defense Forces used boats and helicopters to reach those stranded. (with inputs from AFP)

Several dead, missing in Japan as heavy rain causes floods

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At least one killed, thousands evacuated amid record rainfall in Japan

Several areas in Japan issue evacuation alert after floods and landslides

Japan : Atleast 52 dead in floods and landslides as rescuers 'race against time'

Several dead, missing in Japan as heavy rain causes floods