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.

(CNN)