Heavy Rainfall in Southern Japan Causes Floods and Landslides

Heavy rainfall in southern Japan has led to floods and landslides, resulting in casualties and dozens of people reported missing, according to the Associated Press.

Over 75,000 residents in the Kumamoto and Kagoshima prefectures have been urged to prepare for evacuation. Japanese broadcaster NHK has aired footage showing the submerged city of Hitoyoshi and cars almost completely submerged up to their windows.

In response, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has ordered the formation of an operational group to rescue those missing. He stated that up to 10,000 military personnel have been mobilized to participate in the rescue operations.