The Death Toll from Floods in Japan Has Reached 110

The Japan Fire and Disaster Management Agency announced on Monday evening, July 9, that the death toll from severe flooding in the country has reached 110 with the discovery of several more bodies. At the same time, Japanese media reported that officials have stated that at least 80 people are still missing in the flood-affected areas, especially in Hiroshima. The Associated Press reported on Monday that as search operations continue, more bodies of victims have been found, and residents of the affected areas are beginning to return to their homes. According to the report, rescue teams saved about 300 patients trapped in a hospital in the city of Mabi on Monday morning and transferred them to safe locations by helicopter. However, previous warnings about the possibility of heavy rainfall have been lifted. Four years ago, severe flooding in the Hiroshima area resulted in the deaths of 70 people. Despite this, some residents of the area have stated that they have never seen flooding of this magnitude before. Due to the extent of the areas affected by flooding and landslides, estimating the exact toll is difficult, and officials have warned that the risk of landslides remains even after the rain has stopped. In the flood-affected areas, many homes have been completely destroyed, and others have been severely damaged. In recent days, after rivers overflowed into streets and homes, leading to some residents being trapped on rooftops, army boats and helicopters have assisted the flood victims and transported them to safe locations. The most damage has occurred in Hiroshima, where drinking water and electricity have been cut off for thousands of homes in the area. Reports indicate that residents are lining up for water tankers in 34-degree temperatures. Shizo Abe, the Prime Minister of Japan, who canceled his trip to Europe and the Middle East to oversee emergency operations, stated on Monday that the government has dispatched 73,000 members of the armed forces and rescue organizations to continue search and rescue operations. Mr. Abe was supposed to sign an agreement for economic cooperation during his trip to Europe, which has been described as the largest agreement of the European Union. However, European Commission officials have stated that the postponed meeting will be held next week in Tokyo.