22 die in flood-ravaged southwest Japan as rescue operations continue

KUMAMOTO, Japan - Twenty-two people have been confirmed dead, and at least 18 others are presumed dead in the flood-ravaged southwestern Japan prefecture of Kumamoto, local authorities said, as rescue operations continued on Sunday.Rescuers struggled to reach hard-hit areas along the Kuma River, which broke its banks at several locations after torrential rain struck the area early Saturday, causing massive flooding.At least 11 more people are missing, and more than 2,000 households in eight municipalities remained isolated on Sunday morning after floods and mudslides cut off roads and swept…READ FULL ARTICLE