PM extends condolences to Japan over heavy rain consequences

Roads are flooded with heavy rain in Asakita Ward in the city of Hiroshima on Saturday morning. Photo: KYODO

The  same day, Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh also cabled a message of condolences to Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono.

Heavy rain caused flooding and mudslides and left at least 70 dead while dozens are still missing, according to Japan Times.

Rescuers expanded their search for people missing and stranded in flooding and landslides, as evacuation orders or advisories remain in effect for 4.3 million people in 23 prefectures from central to southwestern Japan.

The Meteorological Agency issued emergency warnings for heavy rains in Ehime and Kochi prefectures early Sunday, while Gifu Prefecture also remains on alert.

Japanese PM Shizo Abe called a meeting of relevant ministries on Sunday, during which he urged members of his Cabinet to work with local authorities to prevent the spread of damages, NHK reported.

Abe called the situation very serious and ordered all-out rescue efforts by emergency crews./.

By Quang Minh