Japan flood death toll rises

Many of the victims have been elderly

The number of people killed by flooding in northern Japan has risen to eight, as the area braces for more storms.

The victims, all in their 70s and 80s, were drowned or killed by landslides caused by heavy rainfall in Niigata prefecture.

Over the past three days rescue workers have evacuated thousands of households, after swollen rivers burst their banks.

More than 400mm (16 inches) of rain have fallen in the region since Monday night, and more is feared.

The Meteorological Agency said as much as 160mm (6.3 inches) more could fall by lunchtime on Friday and maintained its "severe warning" for landslides and flooding.

Residents have been seen shovelling mud out of their homes, and many roads remain blocked. Some were said to be choked by falling telephone poles and trees.

Many elderly people have been affected by the floods, with some forced to await rescue on upper storeys of buildings or rooftops.

"The house of somebody I don't even know came floating onto my property," one elderly man said.