This archive report was first published on 5 July 2020.
Published on July 5, 2020, a devastating heavy rain disaster struck Japan's Kumamoto region, claiming two lives and leaving 16 others in a state of 'cardio-respiratory arrest.'
According to Governor Ikuo Kabashima, 14 of those affected were residents of a local nursing home, while six others were reported missing.
Emergency crews and troops from the Self-Defense Forces worked tirelessly through the night to search for missing people and rescue those trapped in their homes.
Although the rain had eased by Sunday morning, the region was left with collapsed bridges, blocked roads, and widespread flooding, isolating many communities.
The disaster destroyed homes, swept away vehicles, and left many towns submerged under muddy water.
As rescue efforts continued, officials took measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus at evacuation shelters, including handwashing and maintaining social distancing.
