Death toll rises to 20 in rain-pummeled southwestern Japan

Two more people were confirmed dead in Fukuoka on Sunday, bringing the total death toll in rain-pummeled Fukuoka and Oita prefectures in southwestern Japan to 20, according to local authorities.

Meanwhile, over 20 people were still unaccounted for in the two prefectures as search operations continue, and some 250 people remained stranded.

Torrential rain has devastated Fukuoka prefecture and neighboring Oita prefecture on the main island Kyushu since Wednesday, causing extensive flooding and mudslides.

The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that heavy rain is expected to continue in parts of southwestern Japan through Sunday as a seasonal rain front was lingering near the region.

The weather agency urged residents in affected areas to stay vigilant for further flooding and mudslides, and over 300 residents in Asakura, Fukuoka prefecture, were given a fresh order to evacuate on Sunday.

A total of some 1,700 people were still taking shelter outside their homes in Fukuoka and Oita prefectures by Sunday night.

Search and rescue operations continued on Sunday, with 12,000 members from Japan's Self-Defense Force (SDF), local police and firefighters deployed.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Sunday during a visit to Sweden that he will cut short his European trip and return to Japan due to the disaster.

Source; xinhua