Death toll reaches 49 as torrential rain pounds Japan

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00:55

Updated at 20:35 BJT

49 people are dead, at least 48 missing. Five were found unconscious, according to NHK.

Updated at 17:53 BJT

At least 38 people dead, 50 people missing and four in critical condition as torrential rain hits western and central Japan, according to NHK on Saturday.

Updated at 17:26 BJT

At least 47 people were missing and five were in a critical condition as torrential rain that has killed 27 people pounds western and central Japan, public broadcaster NHK said on Saturday, with more than 1.6 million people evacuated from their homes.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency issued special weather warnings across four prefectures in the west of Japan’s main island of Honshu, urging vigilance against landslides, rising rivers and strong winds amid what it called “historic” rains.

Torrential rain pounds western and central Japan, causing severe damage and casualties. /VCG photo

The agency said that although a weather front had settled between western and eastern Japan, there was a risk that heavy rains would continue as warm air flowed towards the front. Already-saturated areas faced more rain on Sunday, it said.

By Saturday morning, more than 1.6 million people had been ordered to evacuate their homes for fear of flooding and further landslides, with 3.1 million more advised to leave, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency said.

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Source(s): Reuters