Western Japan has been slammed by unprecedented torrential downpours that have caused flooding and landslides,... leaving dozens of people dead or missing. <br />Rescue operations are ongoing to evacuate residents from the hardest-hit villages,... while many are still waiting to find their loved ones. <br />Kim Hyo-sun tells us more. <br /> Rescue and cleanup operations are underway in Japan after the nation's western region has been witnessing historic rainfall since last Thursday,... downpours that have left over a hundred people dead or missing as of Sunday. <br />Kurashiki, a city in western Japan with a population of just under 500-thousand has been hit hardest. <br />The number of casualties is expected to increase as rescue operations continue. <br /> Rescuers,... including personnel from the military, police and fire departments, are using boats and helicopters to evacuate residents. <br /><br /> "I didn't expect something like this so I left with what I'm wearing."<br /><br /> "It was scary but I'm relieved and very grateful for everyone's help." <br /><br />Many are still hoping to find their loved ones amid the rainfall that triggered flash floods and landslides. <br /><br /> "I went to my father's family home but it was hopeless. We were hoping to find two people but still can't find one." <br /><br /> The Japanese government has set up an emergency management center,... and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said rescuers are (quote) "working against time." <br />Kim Hyo-sun, Arirang News. <br />
