Thousands evacuated after heavy floods in Japan

About 250,000 people across south-west Japan have been ordered to leave their homes as heavy rain hit the area for a third day.

Flooding and landslides in the southern island of Kyushu have claimed the lives of at least 20 people. Eight others are missing.

The country’s Self-Defence Force has now been mobilised to assist in the evacuation of residents.

Those being asked to leave their homes have been told to go to designated shelters such as schools and other facilities.

The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of more landslides and floods as rainfall of up to 11 centimetres per hour was recorded on Saturday.

According to Japanese media, the floods have damaged or destroyed nearly 3,000 homes across four prefectures on the island of Kyushu.

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