Landslides post torrential rains in Atami in Japan, leaves at least three dead and 113 missing
Torrents of mud and rock went ripping through streets in one part of the city of Atami, a hot springs resort town, set on a steep slope that leads down to a bay, after torrential rains set off a succession of landslides. At least three people have been killed and 113 have gone missing.
Rescuers conducted search operations at the site of a mudslide, combed through crumbled houses and roads buried through a resort town on Monday, even as they fought time and poor weather to search for those missing.
Japan is haunted by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunami, and the torrential rain and landslides are a reminder of the natural disasters. And in this backdrop, beginning this month, the capital Tokyo is to host the summer Olympics.
Japan is haunted by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunami, and the torrential rain and landslides are a reminder of the natural disasters. And in this backdrop, beginning this month, the capital Tokyo is to host the summer Olympics.
“We want to rescue as many victims … buried in the rubble as soon as possible,” Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga told reporters, adding that police, firefighters and members of the military were giving their all to do so.
“We’re in touch with various groups and pushing forward
with the searches,” Onuma from Kyodo news agency said.
The number of people unaccounted for, rose sharply on Monday, he said. Around 130 buildings were affected on Saturday morning . The water, mud and debris are thought to have flowed along a river for about 2 km to the sea, local media said.
Though Onuma said rain had stopped in Atami for now, more is forecast. “The situation is unpredictable,” he said.