Nearly 800,000 people in southwestern Japan have been ordered to evacuate as torrential rain threatened to cause landslides and flooding.
Some parts of Kyushu have received up to 39.4 inches of rain since Friday, with the Japan Meteorological Agency warning of more rainfall till midday Thursday.
In Tokyo, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said residents should "take steps to protect their lives, including early evacuation" and ordered the military to prepare for rescue operations.

Israeli strikes kill 26 in Gaza, health officials say
US government starts likely brief shutdown as House fails to approve deal
Thousands demonstrate in Minnesota and across US to protest ICE
France tightens infant milk rules after recalls
Modi ally proposes social media ban for India's teens as global debate grows
Indonesia landslide death toll rises to 49, agency says
Syrian government, Kurdish-led SDF agree integration deal
Trump warns Britain on China ties as Starmer hails progress in Beijing
