Japan floods: Six dead, over four lakh evacuated as heavy rains leave trail of destruction

[caption id=“attachment_3786385” align=“alignleft” width=“940”] At least, six people were killed, 22 others went missing and more than four lakh rendered homeless in floods that surged through southern Japan in the first week of July. AP[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_3786391” align=“alignleft” width=“940”] Unprecedented torrential rain has caused rivers to burst their banks, sweeping away roads and houses, and destroying schools in Kyushu, the southern-most of Japan’s four main islands. AP[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_3786389” align=“alignleft” width=“940”] Over 12,000 police, rescue personnel and troops have been deployed in affected areas. Japan’s deputy prime minister Tara Aso has said that the condition is extremely serious. AP[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_3786387” align=“alignleft” width=“940”] Fukuoka and Oita prefectures, both largely rural areas, were worst-hit by the rains, which was caused by low pressure area on the Pacific Ocean that fed warm, moist air into Japan’s seasonal rainy front. Reuters[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_3786393” align=“alignleft” width=“940”] People, forced from their homes, were staying in evacuation centres in schools and government buildings on high ground. Roads and bridges were damaged and dozens of vehicles and houses were destroyed and almost covered with mud. AP[/caption] [caption id=“attachment_3786395” align=“alignleft” width=“940”] Heavy rain warnings are still in place for parts of the southern island of Kyushu. AP[/caption]