Japan hit by heavy floods

At least one woman has died after heavy rains flooded hundreds of houses in central Japan.

The 76-year-old was found dead in her home in Okazaki, 230 km (143 miles) west of Tokyo.

Authorities issued an evacuation order for the 140,000 households in Okazaki and 360,000 in nearby Nagoya as a result of the fierce weather, which left some areas without power or telephone service for hours.

Heavy rain also caused a mudslide which derailed a local train in Hachioji, on Tokyo's outskirts.

Apart from the driver, who was not injured, no one was on the train.

Rescuers negotiated gorged streets and canals in inflatable rafts, ferrying residents, many of them elderly, from ravaged homes to safety.

Japan has suffered repeated flooding in recent months and the government weather agency warned of more rain in eastern and northern Japan.

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