Dozens Killed as Hiroshima Gets Month of Rain in 24 Hours

Landslides on the outskirts of Hiroshima killed at least 36 people early today and authorities in the Japanese city warn that the death toll is likely to rise and at least seven people are still missing. Authorities say the landslides were triggered when as much rain as usually falls in the whole month of August fell over a 24-hour period, loosening slopes already unstable after weeks of heavy rain and burying houses in mud and rocks, Reuters reports. Several children are among the dead, and heavy mud is hampering the search and rescue effort, the AP reports. More rain is forecast in the next few days and authorities warn that more landslides and flooding could be on the way. (More Japan stories.)