Twelve people were found dead after high waves engulfed some 60 houses in Shiranui, on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu, as Typhoon Bart raged through the region.

"We have confirmed that twelve people died," a local fire department spokesman said. "Houses were flooded by high waves, which covered the second floor."

Dozens of rescuers rowed out in rubber dinghies to search for victims in the houses, some of which were flooded up to the roof.

Waves topped the breakwaters when the typhoon struck at full tide in Yashiro Sea, a large inland sea. A car overturned into a ditch in strong winds near the city, while tall trees were mowed down, interrupting traffic.

"Waves attacked us like a tide wave," a survivor told a national televion network. "A muddy stream swept throught the room in an instant."

Twelve other people werekilled and one was missing in western Japan. At least 65 people were injured, police said.