1 dead, 3 missing as heavy rain hits Japan, thousands urged to evacuate

ANKARA

At least one person was killed and three others are missing after heavy rain hit western and central parts of Japan since Friday night, according to local media.

A man was found dead in his car in a flooded field which was almost completely submerged, said Tokyo-based Kyodo News, citing police.

At least 2 million people were temporarily advised to evacuate in Gifu, Shizuoka, Aichi and Mie prefectures.

The country's weather agency has issued a warning of flooding in rivers and landslides in eastern parts of the country, including capital Tokyo.

The heavy rains have been intensified by Typhoon Mawar, which is passing south of the country, and a rain front near Japan's main island of Honshu.

The typhoon is expected to be downgraded to an extratropical cyclone later in the day after moving eastward off Honshu.

"In eastern Japan, on (June) 3rd, please be on the lookout for landslide disasters, rising rivers and flooding, and watch out for flooding in low-lying areas," the Japan Meteorological Agency said on Twitter.

The agency also warned of landslides in western Japan and strong gusts such as lightning strikes and tornadoes in eastern Japan.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid