Japan races to find survivors of deadly floods, landslides

Rescuers in Japan dug through mud and rubble on Monday, racing to find survivors after torrential rains unleashed widespread floods and landslides that killed over 100 with dozens still missing.

Rain tapered off across the western region battered by last week's downpour, revealing blue skies and a scorching sun forecast to push temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius (86°F), fueling fears of heatstroke in areas cut off from power or water.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told a government's emergency disaster meeting that they added additional self-defense forces to speed up the search and rescue missions.

Mabi town, the hardest-hit part of Kurashiki city, was still facing floodwaters despite some easing earlier.

Residents can be seen clearing debris from muddy roads, while a route to a hospital where nearly 100 patients and staff had been stranded earlier on Sunday is now accessible.

SS