Thousands evacuated in Japan floods

TORY: Over seven thousand people were evacuated in northern Japan after heavy rains burst the banks of the river Minami Tonebetsu on Wednesday (September 12), local media said.

Japanese media quoted the national meteorological agency as reporting over 53 millimetres of rain fell in an hour in Hokkaido, Japan's northern most island.

Those in the affected area woke up to have their neighbourhood transformed into a small river.

Japanese rescue workers used rubber boats to move people from their homes.

Rising waters forced the evacuation of more than 3600 homes.

Roads and railway lines were also submerged, affecting transport links in the area, local media reported.