Jul 11 (NHK) - Residents of a Japanese city devastated by torrential rains last week have begun the process of applying for financial aid.
Asakura city in the western prefecture of Fukuoka started accepting applications for disaster victim certificates on Tuesday.
Many houses in the city were washed away or swamped with mud and driftwood after record-breaking rainfall caused rivers to flood.
People with damaged homes can claim financial aid once they receive a disaster victim certificate. A 48-year-old applicant said he's not sure if he can rebuild his house but wants to remain in his hometown.