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.

Death toll from Venezuela earthquakes rises to around 235
Japan braces for double storms, torrential rains shut down parts of Taiwan
Australia pledges tougher enforcement of social media ban for teens
GCC-US talks emphasise regional security, lasting peace
UN agency pauses Hormuz ship evacuation after vessel attacked
