Landslides kill 27 in Japan

This aerial view shows the damage caused by a landslide after heavy rains hit the city of Hiroshima, western Japan, on Wednesday, August 20.

A survivor is lifted by a rescue helicopter from the area devastated by the massive landslide.

Soldiers and rescue workers look for survivors at the site.

This aerial view shows the damage caused by the landslide, which killed at least 27 and authorities fear the death toll could be much higher.

Rescue workers look for survivors at the landslide site.

Many houses and buildings were destroyed by the mudslide.

The landslide swept through crowded residential areas in the city.

A troop of police rescue personnel head out to look for survivors.

A two-year-old boy was among those killed by the landslide.

The city received a record 9.5 inches of rain in the past 24 hours.

• At least 10 others are missing


• Authorities fear the number could be much higher


• Heavy rains have pounded the area

Tokyo (CNN) -- Residents combed through mud and debris looking for bodies of their loved ones after heavy rains triggered landslides that swallowed up homes in the western Japanese city of Hiroshima on Wednesday.

The landslides killed at least 27 people, including a 2-year-old boy who was buried alive, authorities said.

At least 10 others are missing. Authorities fear the number could be much higher since the landslides hit a crowded residential area.

Among the missing is the 11-year-old brother of the boy who died.

Heavy rains have pounded the area. In the last 24 hours, it received a record 9.5 inches of rain, the Kyodo news agency said.

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