Japan floods leave up to 34 dead, many at nursing homes

Elderly residents are evacuated from flood-affected area by rubber boats in Kuma village, Kumamoto prefecture, on Sunday (July 5). Deep floodwaters and the risk of more mudslides that left at least 34 people confirmed or presumed dead hampered search and rescue operations on Sunday in southern Japan, including at elderly home facilities where more than a dozen died and scores were still stranded. - AFP

TOKYO July 5 (AP): Deep floodwaters and the risk of more mudslides that left at least 34 people confirmed or presumed dead hampered search and rescue operations Sunday in southern Japan, including at elderly home facilities where more than a dozen died and scores were still stranded.

Helicopters and boats rescued more people from their homes in the Kumamoto region. More than 40,000 defense troops, the coast guard and fire brigades were taking part in the operation.