Rains falling on the regions of Kyushu and Chugoku since the weekend caused flooding along a number of rivers as well as mudslides, closing roads, disrupting trains, and cutting the water supply in some areas, TRT World reported.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued an emergency heavy rain warning for Fukuoka and Oita prefectures on the southern main island of Kyushu, urging residents in riverside and hillside areas to take maximum caution.
More than 1.7 million residents in vulnerable areas were urged to take shelter.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told reporters the government has set up a task force and is doing its utmost for the search and rescue operation “as we put the people's lives first.”
Two people have died and at least six others were missing, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency and prefectural officials.
AMK/PR