Heavy rain batters central Japan, causing landslides, flooding

TOKYO - Heavy rain battered parts of central Japan on Thursday, causing landslides and flooding with a series of reports of cars becoming submerged and calls for rescue.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a special heavy rain warning for some areas in Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures, with residents warned to evacuate or take immediate steps to ensure their safety amid life-threatening conditions.