Floods and landslides kill at least 85 people in Japan – AIM Digital

Dozens of people died and two million were forced to leave their homes because of record rains in southwestern Japan that caused floods and landslides.

Authorities reported that at least 85 people died, while 6 others are in critical condition and 58 others are missing, according to Japanese television NHK.

"Record rains in many parts of the country have caused river overflows and large-scale floods and landslides in many areas," Yoshihide Suga's cabinet secretary said on Sunday.

Hundreds of homes were destroyed or damaged. In total, eight prefectures were affected, including Kyoto and Hiroshima.

"I went to my father's family home, but there was no choice," said one man. "We were expecting to find two people, but we found none."

Underwater Houses in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has raised its warning system at the highest level in vast areas of the country. Minako Sakurai of the agency told reporters:

Heavy rains are expected to continue Sunday in the east and west of the country. been warned to evacuate. Government authorities warn people in affected areas that they may experience landslides, floods, gusts of wind and other extreme weather conditions.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said 54,000 elements had been mobilized. NHK reported search and rescue tasks.

CNN .-