At least 18 people including children have been confirmed dead and 13 missing after a series of landslides struck Hiroshima outskirts in west Japan, according to local media sources.

Sources reported that rescue teams continue to search for more survivors as helicopters were seen hovering over the city in order to rescue mud-trapped citizens.


Among the dead was a Hiroshima firefighter who was rescuing some of the hundreds of people reportedly trapped or buried by mud, rock and debris. 


Authorities had issued early warnings from further potential landslides and floods in view of unstable atmospheric conditions. (IY)

Source: BNA