Heavy rain hit northern Kyushu, as well as Yamaguchi and Hiroshima prefectures July 24, 25 and 26, bringing the total of weather-related deaths in western Japan to 28 as of July 27.

The Meteorologocal Agency on July 25 warned of continued heavy rain, flooding and landslides in extensive areas of Fukuoka, Nagasaki and Saga prefectures, and in some areas of Yamaguchi Prefecture.

Rain of up to 70 mm an hour was recorded in those areas until the morning of July 26, the agency said.

Due to continued bad weather, Prime Minister Taro Aso canceled a trip to Hofu, Yamaguchi Prefecture. He had planned to inspect the diaster area by helicopter July 26.