15 People Without Vital Signs In Southern Japan
Torrential rains have battered parts of southern Japan. Flooding is causing havoc in many residential areas.
Authorities say over 10 people have been found with no vital signs while others are missing.
The weather agency says warm, moist air has flowed into a front and a low pressure system creating extremely unstable atmospheric conditions.
A band of rain clouds covering Kyushu island has dumped more than 100 millimeters of rain per hour on parts of Kumamoto Prefecture.
The Kuma River in southern Kumamoto has flooded, with a bridge washed away. Emergency services say they've taken more than 100 calls from people asking to be rescued.
The local government says floodwaters have swept away several houses. Officials say 15 people have been found without vital signs including 14 at a nursing home for the elderly.
They're still unable to make contact with nine people.
Rescuers trying to reach stranded residents are facing blocked roads.
Many people are seeking shelter at evacuation centers.
A woman said, "It wasn't like normal rain. I honestly never imagined it could be so powerful."
A man said, "The smell of the river and the muddy water was intense. I could feel the vibrations from the churning water through the road next to the riverbank."
The Japanese government is sending some 10,000 Self-Defense Force members to the region and the Disaster Management Minister will also head to affected areas.
Weather forecasters warn the front could bring more rain to both eastern and western parts of Japan.
They say there's a risk of flooding in low-lying areas, overflowing rivers, lightning strikes, and sudden gusts of wind.
