Thousands of people were forced to flee a city near Tokyo after a Tsunami-like wave threatened the residents following heavy rains that continued to pummel Japan for a second straight day on Thursday.

Joso, a city located 50km northeast of Tokyo, was hit by a massive Tsunami-like wave after the Kinugawa River broke through a flood barrier and inundated the city, the Associated Press reported.

While Tokyo was also pounded by heavy rains, the hardest-hit area Thursday was north of the capital in Ibaraki and Tochigi prefectures, according to The Korea Times. Over 90,000 residents have been asked to evacuate after the weather department issued the highest level flood alert in the region.

Dramatic television footage showed rescue workers in helicopters pulling out residents trapped in their homes and on streets and even those perched atop their vehicles.

Other images showed desperate people waving for help from their verandas as gushing water around them washed away cars and knocked out buildings. Japan Today reported that one woman was missing after a landslide hit homes at the foot of a wooded incline.

Japan witnessed heavy rains on Wednesday too, when Tropical Storm Etau caused flash floods and landslides as it crossed central Japan.

The Fire and Disaster and Management Agency said 15 people were injured by Etau, two seriously. Both the elderly women were knocked over by strong winds.

Japan Floods: Joso Video

 

 

Twitter Updates on Japan Floods

masayukitokio ‏@masayukitokio 

Now, #flood is in Ibaraki Pref. in #Japan. Many people on buildings or something are waiting for helicopters rescue them. Praying for them.

Bob Harrod Missing ‏@findbobharrod 

Woman missing, 1000s trapped, huge SAR op underway as flash flood hits north of Tokyo, Japan:

アイシス ‏@Kinna 

Praying for those affected by the typhoon all over #Japan, and the flood in Ibaraki... #Hokkaido is okay. It's not even raining today.

Nick Wiltgen ‏@WxNick

Chilling scenes on live TV in #Japan. One man stuck near power pole surrounded by raging flood; I doubt chopper could help him w/wires above

 

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