TORY: Over seven thousand people were evacuated in northern Japan after heavy rains burst the banks of the river Minami Tonebetsu on Wednesday (September 12), local media said.<br/> <br />Japanese media quoted the national meteorological agency as reporting over 53 millimetres of rain fell in an hour in Hokkaido, Japan's northern most island.<br/> <br />Those in the affected area woke up to have their neighbourhood transformed into a small river.<br/> <br />Japanese rescue workers used rubber boats to move people from their homes.<br/> <br />Rising waters forced the evacuation of more than 3600 homes.<br/> <br />Roads and railway lines were also submerged, affecting transport links in the area, local media reported.
