Tokyo:Flooding and mudslides have stranded hundreds of people in scenic hot springs and hiking areas in central Japan, while rescue workers searched on Thursday for more people missing in the disaster that already has killed nearly 60 people in a southern region.
Parts of Nagano and Gifu, including areas known for scenic mountain trails and hot springs, have been flooded by massive downpours.
More than 300 people, including hotel employees and visitors, were trapped in Kamikochi, as floods and mudslides hit the main road connecting the town to Matsumoto, another tourist destination in Nagano. All of the stranded people were safe, prefectural officials said.
In neighboring Gifu, hundreds were also isolated in the hot spring towns of Gero and Ontake.
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