In central Japan, two people died and twenty were missing in landslides

At least 20 people have been reported missing after a landslide triggered by heavy rains on Saturday, July 3, in central Japan’s Shizuoka province. The landslide occurred at 10:30 am local time (3:30 am in Paris).

“Under the action of the downpour, the land led and flowed out” From the top of a river in the coastal town of Adami, 90 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, Shizuoka County Governor Hita Kawakatsu told reporters. “She beat houses and people in her path.”, Cutting a national road.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Shuka has announced that the Japanese Emergency Services and Defense Forces (official name of the army) have begun rescue and evacuation operations in Atomic City. Asked them “Do the best” And the number of damaged houses and buildings in Adami is estimated at about 130.

As many as 1,000 people, including 140 soldiers, have been rescued, a department official told Agency France-Presse (AFP) and 10 others have been rescued.

A few hours later, the Japanese public broadcaster NHK announced that the search had been suspended due to heavy rain. These are expected to continue for several days in an area of ​​Japan, the Meteorological Agency warned of flood and landslide hazards on Sunday.

More than 2,800 homes in the area are without electricity

Pictures aired on Japanese television showed streams of mud destroying buildings in Atami, and residents taking refuge.

“I heard a terrible noise and saw the rescuers fall down a landslide as they asked the residents to evacuate. So I ran.” To get a higher place, the head of a Buddhist temple, N.H.K. “When I came back, the houses and cars in front of the temple were gone. “

The city of Adami, which is known for its hot springs, received 313 millimeters of rain in forty-eight hours on Fridays and Saturdays, compared to an average of 240 millimeters a year. Throughout July. More than 2,800 homes in the area were without electricity, according to power company Depco.

The Japanese high-speed train Shinkansen has been temporarily suspended between Tokyo and Osaka due to heavy rain in the west of the country. Other trains have also been stopped, according to railway companies’ websites.

An event stressed by climate change

Much of Japan is currently in the middle of the rainy season, which often causes floods and landslides, prompting local authorities to issue evacuation orders.

On Sunday, the Japanese prime minister spoke again about the dangers of continuing heavy rains. “I want our people to move out of dangerous areas.”Mr. Suka said special attention should be paid to eviction orders.

This phenomenon is emphasized by climate change, which scientists say warmer climates contain more water, which increases the risk and intensity of heavy rainfall.

In 2018, more than 200 people were killed in floods in western Japan.