At least 134 confirmed dead as Japan combs through mud for missing

This photo shows a damaged house in a flood hit area in Kumano, Hiroshima prefecture on July 9, 2018. Rescue workers in Japan battled on July 9 to reach residents trapped after devastating rains that have killed at least 75 people, as authorities warned about the risk of landslides. / AFP PHOTO / Martin BUREAU

 HIROSHIMA, Japan — Japan’s government said at least 134 people have been confirmed dead from the heavy rains, floods and mudslides that have struck western Japan.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a news conference on Tuesday that seven others were without vital signs, and more than 50 people were unaccounted for, many of them in the hardest-hit Hiroshima area.

Rescuers are combing through mud-covered hillsides and near riverbanks to look for dozens still missing after several days of heavy rainfall set off flooding and landslides in a widespread area, including Hiroshima, Okayama and Ehime prefectures.

All rain warnings were lifted. People who have evacuated their homes have since returned and started cleanup.

But as floodwater largely subsided, more damages became visible. /kga