Residents in the southwestern prefecture of Kumamoto are remembering the dozens of people who died three years ago when record rainfall caused deadly flooding and mudslides in the region.

The disaster killed 67 people in the prefecture, including those who died in the aftermath. Two people remain missing.

About 30 people, including bereaved family members, Kumamoto Governor Kabashima Ikuo, and City Mayor Matsuoka Hayato, attended a memorial service held in Hitoyoshi City, where 21 of them died.

Mayor Matsuoka pledged to press ahead with reconstruction non-stop while the participants observed a moment of silence, laid flowers on the altar, and prayed for the victims.

A representative of the victims' families, Kuraoka Shinji, who lost his aunt, said he could only apologize to her for not being able to save her, and that he will never forget the tragic scene and the sorrow of losing his aunt.

"Disaster can hit any time. I want to take preventive measures based on the lessons we learned, and hand down my experience as a survivor," Kuraoka said.