Japan floods: Rescue efforts doubled as heavy rain continues, death toll rises

Global News -- Jul 08

Japanese officials warned of more heavy rain on the southwestern island of Kyushu and bolstered search and rescue operations, as the death toll in flood-hit areas reached at least 50 with about a dozen people reported missing.

The government said it would double rescue and relief personnel as heavy rain destroyed homes and caused landslides in what is shaping up to be Japan's worst natural disaster since Typhoon Hagibis killed 90 people in October.

Police, Self Defense Force and Coast Guard units were deployed and are conducting search and rescue effort.