Tokyo  - At least 10 people, among them several small children, have been killed in torrential rains in Japan, local media reported Monday.

Typhoon Etau has brought heavy rainfalls to Japan, causing flooding and landslides that have destroyed homes.

In the hardest-hit prefectures, Hyogo and Okayama in western Japan, several people remained missing.

At least 2,000 people sought shelter in schools and other public buildings. Houses were destroyed by mudslides and the authorities had to close some roads.

In the capital Tokyo, Monday morning traffic was obstructed by the rains. (dpa)