During the night to Saturday, southern Japan has been hit by landslides and floods following heavy rainfall.
Pictures from the broadcaster NHK show how large parts of the city of Hitoyoshi in the Kumamoto area were soaked by the large water masses.
13 people are reported missing and at least two people have died.
75,000 residents in the Kumamoto and Kagoshima areas have been urged to evacuate their homes but the call is not mandatory and it is unclear how many have actually left their homes.
The rain seems to be falling, but the Japanese Meteorological Institute has still issued warnings about rain, reports the AP news agency.