Fifty-one people have been killed and 48 others are missing following torrential rain in western and central parts of the country. More than three million people have been ordered to evacuate their homes. Tens of thousands of rescue workers, police and military personnel are pulling people to safety. And the weather authority has issued its highest level warning for affected areas.
The bad weather is also affecting local transportation systems. Trams in Osaka cities centre are out of service. Authorities have retained special weather warnings for three prefectures in the main island of Honshu, down from the previous five. They are also urging vigilance against the landslides, rising rivers and strong winds. More heavy rain is expected to come on Sunday.