Death toll in Japan flood disaster tops 200

The death toll from torrential rains and floods in western Japan has topped 200, the Japan Times reported on Friday.

According to the newspaper, 204 people have been confirmed dead, with dozens still missing.

Search and rescue operations with more than 70,000 rescuers continue in the flood-affected areas, including the Hiroshima, Okayama, and Ehime prefectures.

Authorities believe the death toll will rise further, as many people are believed to be stranded in their homes.

The most casualties were reported in the Hiroshima, Ehime, Okayama, Yamaguchi, Kyoto, Gifu, Shiga, Hyogo, Kochi and Fukuoka prefectures.

According to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, around 6,700 people remain in shelters.

Up to 5.9 million people were ordered to leave their homes in 19 prefectures due to landslides and flooding.

Yoshihide Suga, a government spokesman, warned people in flood-hit areas of further landslides, the Japan Times also reported.

Meanwhile, according to the newspaper, municipal workers have been laboring to restore water to flood-hit areas, as temperatures rise above 30 degrees.