Landslides and flooding caused by torrential rain in Japan has become one of the countries deadliest natural disasters.
A total of 176 people have been killed since the downpour began late last week, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said. Another nine are missing.
Some 75,000 rescue responders have been deployed. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe canceled a scheduled trip to Europe and the Mideast to focus on disaster relief efforts. The PM said the government had been making "every effort to deal with this crisis since the disaster occurred." Over the weekend, parts of Japan received between 300 to 500 millimeters (12 to 20 inches) of rain, with Hiroshima, Okayama, and Hyogo receiving over 500 millimeters.
Some cities were completely inundated in a matter of hours.
About 364 millimeters (14.3 inches) of rain fell between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. Sunday in Uwajima -- approximately 1.5 times the average monthly rainfall. Hundreds of thousands of people were forced to flee their homes, and those unable to leave took shelter on rooftops. Edited from CNN
Pope Francis sent his prayers for victims via Secretary of State - Cardinal Parolin:
Deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life and of the injury caused by the serious floods following the heavy rains in Japan, His Holiness Pope Francis expresses heartfelt solidarity with all those affected by this tragedy. His Holiness prays especially for the repose of the deceased, the healing of those injured and the consolation of all those who grieve. The Holy Father likewise offers encouragement to the civil authorities and all those involved in the search and rescue efforts as they assist the victims of this disaster. Upon all he willingly invokes abundant blessings.
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