Record rainfall triggers landslides in Japan; at least 27 dead

TOKYO, Aug. 20 (UPI) -- Heavy rain triggered landslides in western Japan on Wednesday, killing at least 27 people.

Over a 24-hour period, a record 9.5 inches of rain fell in the city of Hiroshima, the equivalent of one month's precipitation, Kyodo news agency reported.

The resulting landslides caused extensive damage, burying homes and residents in a mixture of mud and debris.

Authorities report at least 10 people are missing, including an 11-year-old boy whose 2-year-old brother died in the landslide.