Thousands of people in Japan's southern island of Kyushu have been asked to evacuate as torrential rains triggered landslides and floods.
According to officials, 15 people are feared dead and nine reported missing.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe urged people to be on "maximum alert" as "heavy rainfall is likely to continue until Sunday".
As many as 10,000 soldiers have been deployed to assist in rescue operations.


US House blocks bid to impeach Defence Secretary Hegseth
Former Pakistan PM Imran Khan back in jail after medical treatment, sources say
Over 100 Indonesian lawmakers sign petition for vice president's impeachment
9 seriously injured in South Korea bus crash involving 32 vehicles
