On Monday, three people were newly found in a state of cardiopulmonary arrest in the Fukuoka city of Asakura and all of them were confirmed dead later, according to the prefectural police department.

In addition, one of the bodies found on shores of the Ariake Sea, surrounded by Kyushu prefectures including Fukuoka, was identified as a male resident of Asakura.

Search operations continued with more than 20 people still missing since torrential rain started hitting the prefectures in the northern part of the Kyushu region on Wednesday.

The Japan Meteorological Agency warned of landslides because heavy rain may hit some areas in northern Kyushu again on Tuesday.

The Asakura municipal government issued evacuation instructions to 655 people in 233 households on Monday afternoon due to possible flooding from a pond.

The record rainfall has killed 19 people in Asakura, three in the Fukuoka village of Toho and three others in the Oita city of Hita.

According to the Fukuoka prefectural government, 23 people remain unaccounted for in Asakura and one each in Toho and in the city of Ukiha. They may include one or more victims who have not been identified even though their bodies were recovered.

Meanwhile, some elementary and junior high schools resumed classes in affected areas in Hita on Monday. (Jiji Press)