The number of people who died as a result of flooding and landslides caused by heavy rainfall in Japan reached 87, while 58 more people remain missing, NHK broadcaster reported on Sunday.
Over 4.3 million Japanese have received instructions or recommendations on evacuation in connection to the heavy rains, the news outlet added. Thus, the recommendations on evacuation apply to 23 of the country's 47 prefectures.
On July 8 morning, an emergency commission tasked with gathering and analyzing information about the rainfall's consequences started its work as part of the office of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
The service should also coordinate the work of the agencies involved in the rehabilitation efforts after the natural disaster.
At the commission's meeting, Abe stated that the security of many Japanese citizens was yet to be confirmed and called for making every effort while carrying out rescue operations and evacuating civilians.
READ MORE: Heavy Rains in Japan Kill 46, Over 50 Missing — Reports (VIDEO)
On July 6, the central and south-western parts of Japan were hit by torrential rains.
By Sunday morning over 1,050 millimeters (41 inches) of rainfall fell in Gifu Prefecture, in Ehime Prefecture — 745 millimeters, in Kyoto Prefecture — 465 millimeters, in Hiroshima Prefecture — 442 millimeters, in Hyogo Prefecture — 430 millimeters. These figures exceed the average monthly rainfall by two or three times.
