Japan floods: Rescue operation continues to find missing people
日本洪水救援行动仍在继续

Rescue work is continuing across northeast Japan, after heavy rainstorms brought severe flooding. At least three people have died, and 15 are still missing. And more than 100 thousand people have been evacuated. The region affected is a vast area northeast of Tokyo, stretching from Ibaraki and Tochigi prefectures, right up to Miyagi prefecture.

Japan is suffering from the worst flooding in more than 6 decades.

A severe rain warning remains in effect across much of the northern part of the country ... where many rivers have burst their banks.

The rescue operation is now well underway, with over 50 helicopters, boats and nearly 6,000 rescuers working to find stranded people.

To prevent any more deaths, a further 800 thousand people have been advised to evacuate their homes.

"It was awful, but I am happy I have been rescued," said a rescued local.

Residents are gathering at evacuation centers, waiting for help. Some of them have spoken about their experience.

"My father and I were in separate places, so only he got swept away," said Chiyoko Kurita, Joso city resident.

"It was horrible. The contents of my fridge, and things like electronics and bikes were all flooding through the water. My neighbour's car got washed away," said a woman who evacuated.

Emergency food has been delivered to evacuation centres. Some middle school students near the region helped distribute the items.

"We decided to help out victims of the flood as they go through this tough time," said a secondary school student.

Japan has placed huge importance on disaster prevention since the earthquake and tsunami in 2011, which left nearly 20,000 dead.