Japan’s Meteorological Agency has lifted emergency warnings on extremely heavy rain in Hiroshima Prefecture.
But the emergency warnings remain in effect for the 4 prefectures of Okayama, Tottori, Hyogo and Kyoto.
TOKYO
Authorities in Japan say casualties are mounting due to floods and landslides caused by record rainfall in the western part of the country.
They say that as of noon on Saturday, 13 people are dead, 3 without vital signs and at least 45 missing.
The missing people include some who appear to have been swept away in rivers or canals.
Dozens of others have not been seen since landslides hit their houses.
One person washed away in Hyogo Prefecture while two were swept away in swollen rivers in other prefectures. Another person was killed after landslide hit his house in Hiroshima Prefecture.
The western part of the country is on high due to extremely heavy rain.
The Meteorological Agency has now expanded emergency warnings to include 8 prefectures including Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Hyogo and Kyoto.
Agency officials said, there is an imminent risk of massive flooding and landslides that could cause serious damage. The water levels in rivers are above danger mark in many regions.
Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has instructed members of his cabinet to work with local authorities to prevent the spread of damage from heavy rain in the western part of country.
Abe on Saturday called a meeting of relevant ministers.
He said many people remain unaccounted for as flooding and mudslides have struck wide areas.
Abe called the situation very serious. He ordered all-out rescue efforts by emergency crews.