Heavy rains forced a break in the search a few hours later. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshide Suga has called on rescuers to “do their best.” He estimated that a landslide could have damaged some 130 homes in the seaside resort of Atami. He called on people in the affected areas to be cautious and obey local evacuation instructions.
–
Rescue work after massive landslides in Japan.
Photo: Uncredited, TK/AP
“Large power poles fell in all directions. I barely had time to think about what was going on, the mud wave was already there and I was really scared, “said AFP, a 71-year-old salesman. .
–
“We resumed rescue operations early this morning with about a thousand rescuers, including 140 soldiers,” said a local prefecture official. “We are doing what we can to find the survivors. But we must proceed with caution, because it is still raining, “he added. A few hours later, NHK television announced that the search was temporarily interrupted due to heavy rains. These are forecast to continue for several days. Meteorologists warn of floods and landslides.
–
The floods affected an area southwest of the capital Tokyo.
Photo: Uncredited, TK/AP
Rescuers, with the help of dogs, are looking for survivors and victims after the massive floods in Japan.
Photo: Uncredited, TK/AP
Atami, which lies about 90 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, recorded 313 millimeters of precipitation on Friday and Saturday, according to the NHK. It usually rains 242 millimeters every year – but for the whole of July.
–
Much of Japan is now experiencing rainy seasons, which often cause floods and landslides. According to the NHK, landslides have now occurred in at least eight places in Japan.
–
According to scientists, this phenomenon is exacerbated by climate change, because warmer air is saturated with more moisture, which increases the risk and intensity of extreme bursts. In 2018, floods in western Japan claimed more than two hundred lives.
–
There are about 2,800 households in Atami without electricity. Measures against the spread of coronavirus infection continue to apply, so even survivors wear veils in shelters and keep their distance from each other.
—
:quality(80)/cdn-kiosk-api.telegraaf.nl/6cb1c1fc-dc9a-11eb-b450-02d1dbdc35d1.jpg "Big downer for Primoz Roglic: rider gets off in Tour de France | Tour de France")
