Heavy rains cause flooding and mudslides in southwest Japan, leaving 2 dead and at least 6 missing

By MARI YAMAGUCHI
Associated Press

TOKYO (AP) — Torrential rain has pounded southwestern Japan, triggering floods and mudslides and leaving two people dead and at least six others missing. Rain falling in Kyushu and Chugoku since the weekend has caused flooding along many rivers, triggered mudslides, closed roads, disrupted trains and cut the water supply in some areas. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued an emergency heavy rain warning for two prefectures on the southern main island of Kyushu. More than 1.7 million residents in vulnerable areas were urged to take shelter. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who is scheduled to attend a July 11-12 NATO summit in Lithuania, said he will make a final decision on whether to go after assessing the extent of damage Tuesday morning.