Rescue workers are searching for survivors in debris left by a landslide that hit Hiroshima, Japan, on Wednesday. People are still missing under the collapsed buildings, mud and rock that litter the base of the mountain on the outskirts of the city.
According to Hiroshima police, at least 39 people have been killed in the landslide, and 52 more are still missing. The slide was triggered by a sudden deluge: a month's worth of rain fell in 24 hours between Tuesday and Wednesday morning, causing whole hillsides to collapse.
One of those killed was a 53-year-old firefighter, Noriyoshi Masaoka, who died rescuing five people.
Around 3000 rescue personnel are working in the area, although further heavy rain halted search efforts on Thursday evening. There are now fears of a fresh collapse, with rain due to continue through to Saturday evening and the surrounding mountains becoming "misshapen", said a police spokesman.
Up to 100,000 residents have evacuated surrounding districts, fearing further landsides and floods. According to Fuji TV, 1100 residents have been unable to return to their homes and are sleeping in local schools.
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