Floods hit western Japan

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Heavy rain caused floods and mudslides in western Japan on Tuesday (August 14), leaving two people missing and disrupting public transport.

Some areas in Kyoto and Osaka Prefecture saw rains of over 110 millimetres (2.9 feet) falling in just an hour, prompting Japan's meteorological agency to issue a downpour advisory.

The subway system in Osaka City was halted, stranding thousands of morning commuters at stations.

A part of the Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train system, which connects Tokyo and Osaka, was also affected.

The authorities said Japan's Self Defense Force was deployed to conduct rescue operations in the area.