Thousands evacuated in Japan floods

Flooding in northern Japan after heavy rains burst the banks of the river Minami Tonebetsu on Wednesday.

Over 7,000 people were evacuated as residents of the affected area awoke to find their neighbourhood under water.

(SOUNDBITE) (Japanese) UNIDENTIFIED RESIDENT SAYING:

"I've never experienced anything like this before, so my heart was pounding."

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

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