Japan Flooding Death Toll Rises to 15

According to Japanese officials, the death toll from flooding caused by recent heavy rain in the country’s southern region has risen to at least 15.

Rescue teams are searching for another 15 people who are missing.

Rivers burst their banks, destroying buildings and roads after more than 20in of rain fell on parts of Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost island, over a 12-hour period on July 5.

Emergency teams are working through thick mud to try to reach stranded survivors. Hundreds have already been evacuated.

The worst-hit areas are in Fukuoka prefecture.

Japan floods: more than 250,000 people ordered to leave their homes

Announcing the revised death toll, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said the region was expected to see further heavy rain on July 8.

About 12,000 police, military, firefighters and coast guard personnel have taking part in the rescue operation.

Japan Flood 2015: At Least Three Dead and Hundreds Stranded