The death toll from torrential rains in western Japan reached 88 late Sunday, with over 50 others still missing after massive flooding and landslides destr
OSAKA – The death toll from torrential rains in western Japan reached 88 late Sunday, with over 50 others still missing after massive flooding and landslides destroyed homes and displaced tens of thousands.
Rescue operations by Self-Defense Forces personnel and others were continuing in disaster-hit areas early Monday, as Japan’s weather agency warned the public of the continuing danger of landslides and flooding.
Businesses continued to be affected, with automaker Mazda Motor Corp. and Daihatsu Motor Co., a minivehicle making unit of Toyota Motor Corp., suspending operations in factories in Kyoto, Hiroshima and Yamaguchi.
The companies decided on the suspension to ensure the safety of employees amid traffic disruptions as well as due to uncertainty over the procurement of auto parts.
At one point, evacuation orders or advisories were issued for up to 5.9 million people in 19 prefectures, while over 30,000 people were staying at evacuation centers as of Sunday afternoon, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency.
