Japan floods: 2 killed, 25 missing as more rivers burst banks

Floods that swept houses off their foundations and crushed others under landslides spread across Japan Friday as more rivers burst their banks, leaving at least 25 people missing and forcing more than 100,000 to flee, Reuters reports.
A severe rain warning remained in effect for parts of northern Japan but flood waters were retreating in the city of Joso in Ibaraki Prefecture after toppling trees and washing houses away, sometimes with their owners still inside.
One 63-year-old woman was killed after her house was crushed by a landslide and another when her car was swept away. At least 27 people were injured, eight seriously.
Two eight-year-old children were believed to be among the missing, NHK national television said.
The Meteorological Agency issued a severe-weather warning for Miyagi Prefecture early Friday and warned of further mudslides and flooding across eastern Japan as rain clouds shifted north, Koyodo reports.
The Metropolitan Police Department planned Friday to dispatch 100 officers from units including its riot police force to Joso. The Tokyo Fire Department sent a rescue team with helicopters.
By nightfall Thursday, more than 400 residents had been rescued by the police, fire department, Self-Defense Forces and the Japan Coast Guard. Helicopter crews helped to pull people to safety, according to a new agency.

-Shuvo-