Death toll from Japan floods nears 200 as scores battle thirst under scorching sun

Rescue operatives in Japan have noted that the death toll arising from floods and landslides in southwestern Japan caused by heavy downpour is nearing 200.

According to government officials, the death toll has risen from 176 to 195, with several dozen people still missing as rescue operation continues.

Reports say more than 70,000 military, police and firefighters toiled through the debris in a grim search for the missing.

Meanwhile, authorities say people are in danger of suffering from heatstroke as limited water supply meant that people are not getting enough fluids.

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People are also reluctant to use what water they do have to wash their hands, raising fears of epidemics.

“Without water, we can’t really clean anything up. We can’t wash anything,” one man told NHK television.

The government has sent water trucks to the disaster area, but supplies remain limited.

Authorities have also taken to social media to warn residents as health worries increased amid scorching heat and the threat of new floods.

Officials also warned of the additional danger of food-borne illnesses, urging people to wash their hands and take other measures against food poisoning.

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