| Rescuers in western Japan are digging frantically through mud and rubble trying to reach people buried in the ruins of their own homes after a typhoon killed at least 15 people in floods and landslides. Reuters reports typhoon Meari headed out to sea after being downgraded to a tropical depression, but rescue work has continued in an area east of Osaka. Many roads remain blocked in the worst-hit areas, making it difficult to bring in digging equipment. Television pictures have shown cars turned upside down and houses knocked over by landslides. The typhoon is a record eighth such storm to hit Japan this year with nearly 50 people being killed. |