Shizuoka braces for more mudslides

Jul 04, 2021 | News On Japan

Jul 04, 2021 (NHK) - The active seasonal rain front has brought record rain to Shizuoka Prefecture and the southern part of the Kanto region, which includes Tokyo and its surrounding prefectures.

Weather officials are warning of the heightening risk of mudslides in Atami and elsewhere in Shizuoka, where ground is saturated after the downpour. Landslide alerts are in place in parts of the prefecture.

Atami City, where fatal mudslides occurred on Saturday, received 321 millimeters of rain in the 48 hours through Saturday evening. That is more than the average rainfall for the entire month of July.

Local officials say two deaths have been confirmed in the mudslides. Ten people have been rescued and about 20 others remain unaccounted for.

Two hundred 64 people were in shelters across the city as of 9 p.m. on Saturday.

Shinkansen service between Tokyo and Osaka has resumed after track safety was confirmed.

Intermittent rain is forecast for Shizuoka and Kanagawa prefectures on Sunday. Even a little more rain could trigger fresh landslides.

People who live on cliffs, slopes, and near rivers are being asked to evacuate to safe places.

The rain front is gradually moving north.

It will destabilize atmospheric conditions through Monday, bringing heavy thunder showers to western Japan and the Hokuriku region.

Weather officials are warning of fresh mudslides, flooding in low-lying areas, and swollen rivers.

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