Two Found Without Vital Signs After Mudslides
Officials in Shizuoka prefecture in central Japan say two people have been found without vital signs and about 20 others remain unaccounted for after a series of mudslides swept away several houses.
Torrential rain has been lashing areas along Japan's Pacific coast since early Saturday.
In the city of Atami, about 30 Self-Defense Force personnel are joining the search and rescue operation.
City officials issued an evacuation order for around 20,000 households after the mudslides. People have been told to ensure their safety. The officials say about 80 people have moved into shelters.
One resident told NHK that he fled to higher ground after the mudslides occurred nearby. Another said he heard the mudslides before he saw them, as they washed away houses and utility poles.
Meteorological Agency officials say the downpours are due to a lingering seasonal rain front. Shizuoka and Kanagawa prefectures are being hit the hardest.
The officials say Atami City has already seen more than the average rainfall for the whole of the month of July.
Authorities have issued landslide warnings for parts of Shizuoka, Kanagawa and Chiba prefectures. Some rivers have already exceeded the flood danger level.
The authorities warn there could be more landslides, swollen rivers and flooding in low-lying areas. They're asking people to keep up-to-date with the latest evacuation information.