Rain Triggers Massive Floods, Landslides In Japan, Kills 14

Evacuation ordered for over 200,000 residents; 10 go missing, several houses destroyed, trains cancelled; PM deploys 10,000 troops for rescue operations, urges residents to be ‘on maximum alert

Fourteen people were feared dead at a nursing home in western Japan on Saturday as record rainfall triggered massive floods and landslides, forcing authorities to issue evacuation advisories for more than 200,000 residents.

About 10 went missing and dozens were stranded on rooftops waiting to be rescued, officials said.

The victims were found “in cardio-respiratory arrest” at the facility for elderly people that was flooded ater a nearby river broke its banks, Governor Ikuo Kabashima from the western region of Kumamoto told reporters.

“The Self-Defence Forces have launched rescue operations,” Kabashima said, adding that three others at the home were suffering from hypothermia.

Some 60 to 70 people were in the home as water rushed into the second floor Saturday morning, public broadcaster NHK said.

Local officials separately said another person was also found in cardio-respiratory arrest in landslides in Kumamoto. They had previously said two were feared dead.