Japan: Death toll from torrential rains rises to 55, multiple missing

The death toll from torrential rains and floods in the southwestern island of Kyushu, Japan has risen to 55 in the past three days, with 14 missings, according to foreign media.

Heavy torrential rains have paralyzed livelihoods in Japan and evacuated large numbers of people from the affected areas, while the Meteorological Department has forecast more rains in the affected areas till July 9.

Authorities issued flood warnings in Nagasaki, Saga and Fukuoka, including Kyushu, for fear of torrential rains.

In view of the floods in the river, the government has issued instructions to the people to take the necessary steps to ensure their safety and not to go out unnecessarily.

The floodwaters cut off roads and washed away buildings. More than 4,650 homes in Kumamoto prefecture remained without power, according to the Kyushu Electric Power Co.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency said such rainfall had never been seen before in the region. As much as 4 inches an hour fell at one time.

The heavy rainfall on Friday and Saturday in Kumamoto totalled nearly 20 inches in Minamata and nearly 16 inches in Kuma, Yunomae and Amakusa, according to the Meteorological Agency.

More than 200,000 residents in Kumamoto and neighbouring Kagoshima prefecture were ordered to evacuate on Saturday.

More torrential rains are forecast in parts of western Japan from Tuesday.

Meanwhile, monsoon rains are wreaking havoc in several parts of India, with several rivers in the state of Gujarat flooded. Heavy rains in Mumbai have inundated low-lying areas and roads, affecting hundreds of people.

Seven days of torrential rains in China’s Wuhan Province have caused severe flooding, with several roads flooded due to a failure of the sewerage system, severely affecting mobility. So far, 226 mm of rain has been recorded.

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