Some 16 people are now confirmed dead following after several days of torrential rain sparked floods and landslides in Japan, Reuters reports.
Search and rescue crews took advantage of a break in the extreme weather conditions to recover victims and rescue survivors Saturday. However, further downpours are expected over the weekend.
More than 60cm (24 inches) of rain fell in the Fukuoka Prefecture in just 24 hours Saturday, according to Japan’s weather agency. A further 15cm of rain is forecast to fall in Northern Kyushu Sunday.
The unseasonably heavy rain is more than some areas experience in the whole month of July.
The downpour has devastated entire neighborhoods in the city of Asakura where heavy quantities of mud and debris are making it even more difficult for rescuers and clean-up crews.