Death toll from record-breaking rains hits 68 – Kyushu, Japan

The death toll from the record-breaking downpours on the island of Kyushu in Japan has climbed to 68 on Monday, July 13, 2020. On the same day, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe traveled to Kumamoto Prefecture to assess the damage inflicted by flooding and landslides earlier this month.

Among the 68 fatalities, 64 were in Kumamoto, which included 14 victims at a nursing home in Kuma Village. The area suffered widespread flood damage after heavy rain on July 4 caused the Kuma River to burst. 

Abe told Kumamoto governor Ikuo Kabashima that the government would "put all its efforts" for the early repair of state roads and the Kuma River.

The PM also paid tribute to the flood victims, adding that the government will utilize more than 3.7 billion dollars to support areas in the island where flooding had wreaked havoc.

Meanwhile, troops and emergency workers continued search operations for 12 others who were still missing.

Locals, along with volunteers, spent days cleaning up their homes and offices, despite occasional heavy rains hampering their work.

At least 10 locations in Kumamoto Prefecture recorded more than 410 mm (16 inches) of rain in 24 hours on Saturday, July 4, 2020– including Kuma village's record-breaking 83.5 mm (3.3 inches) of rain in one hour– while Kanoya city in Kagoshima prefecture had its highest ever rainfall of 109.5 mm (4.3 inches) in an hour on Monday, July 6.

Torrential rains triggered a total of 316 landslides since July 4– including 56 in Kumamoto and 44 in Kagoshima Prefecture. 105 rivers overflowed, a government survey also showed.

The Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported that nearly 14 000 houses were flooded or damaged on Kyushu, and the country's western and central regions.

The Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts more rain on Kyushu and other parts of the country. It also warned of possible mudslides, further flooding, and more swollen rivers.

Featured image credit: 藤岡教顕 @E9V9CF30PzJKm2b