Flooding in northern Japan after heavy rains burst the banks of the river Minami Tonebetsu on Wednesday.<br/> <br />Over 7,000 people were evacuated as residents of the affected area awoke to find their neighbourhood under water.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (Japanese) UNIDENTIFIED RESIDENT SAYING:<br/> <br />"I've never experienced anything like this before, so my heart was pounding."<br/> <br />Japanese rescue workers used rubber boats to move people from their homes.<br/> <br />Roads and railway lines were also submerged, affecting transport links in the area, according to local media.
