Over 12,000 houses have suffered severe damage in what is described as the worst rains in several years. The authorities have urged 350,000 people to evacuate. But it is the second highest evacuation facility, which is not mandatory, and it is expected that few will visit the protection facilities, due to the risk of being infected by covid-19.

The rescue services also believe that the fear of the corona virus has made people a little less likely to help in the rescue work.

"Nothing compares to this"

The death toll has increased somewhat as rescue personnel reach more remote locations, and according to EBU, over 60 dead are now expected in the rain.

"I've been in the flood many times in my life, but nothing compares to this," says 68-year-old Kinuyo Nakamura of Ashikita.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says that around 130,000 rescue workers and military are out fighting to save lives.