At least two dead, 20 missing in Japan landslide

Tokyo, Jul 3 (EFE).- At least two people were found dead Saturday and 20 people missing in central and western Japan after record heavy rainfall hit the regions.

The torrential rains, which has affected the Japanese prefectures of Kanagawa and Shizuoka, caused a huge landslide in Atami city, damaging houses, bridges and roads.

Videos on social media showed a gigantic mudslide falling from the mountain in Atami – a city located between steep mountains and the coast – sweeping away some 300 houses, cars and entire buildings.

In Atami, a popular hot-spring tourist resort in Shizouka, more rainfall has fallen in the last 72 hours than it usually sees in a month, according to data from the Japanese Meteorological Agency.

Local authorities have ordered the evacuation of some 20,000 people in Atami and residents of Shizouka, Kanagawa and Chiba have been ordered to evacuate following warnings of more flooding.

Firefighters, police and members of Japan’s army have been sent to the sites to continue the search operation.

Mudslides and floodings are common during Japan’s rainy season, but experts have warned they are becoming increasingly common as a result of climate change.EFE

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