Torrential rain has been falling in northern Japan since July 24. 

In Shinjo, Yamagata Prefecture, two male police officers in their 20s went missing after they were dispatched to rescue civilians. 

They headed out on a police car at about 11:40 p.m. on July 25. 

The vehicle likely got swept away on a bridge while on its way to the rescue mission and was found upside down in a flooded paddy field. 

S/ Suzuki Kunio, Yamagata prefectural police chief / It is extremely regrettable. We are conducting all-out search activities. 

At around 2:30 p.m. on July 26, a man was found in a state of cardiopulmonary arrest downstream from the site. 

Police are working on identifying the man. 

Firefighters said the three male civilians who sought help from the police have been rescued. 

Record setting downpours caused by the rainy season front and warm, humid air have been observed in parts of Yamagata and Akita prefectures. 

Some rivers have become swollen, and landslides have occurred in various areas of the region. 

Many residences have also experienced flooding. 

In Kamikoani, Akita Prefecture, a river overflowed into paddy fields. 

S/ Reporter / This is the Bussha district of the village of Kamikoani. Heavy rain has caused a bridge to collapse. 

Swollen rivers carried large amounts of sand and wood to some communities. 

S/ Resident / It was like a heavy rain shower. It made a large roaring noise. 

Officials said landslides have caused some communities to become isolated. 

Authorities are warning people in the Tohoku region to be careful as more rain is expected to fall over the weekend.