Jul 05 (NHK) - Police and other search-and-rescue personnel in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, plan to ramp up their efforts at the scene of the weekend mudslides.
Prefectural officials say the torrents of mud washed away at least about 130 buildings, including homes, on Saturday in the Izusan district of Atami City. Two people have been confirmed dead.
Prefectural and city officials say 23 people had been rescued as of Sunday after having been trapped. Two of them suffered injuries.
Atami Mayor Saito Sakae acknowledged at a news conference on Sunday that it is difficult to determine the exact number of people still unaccounted for.
He said the city previously put the figure at roughly 20 based on reports from residents in the early stages of the disaster.
Saito said officials have confirmed the safety of 68 of the 215 residents of mudslide-stricken parts of Izusan. Officials will work to determine the status of the other 147.
A search-and-rescue operation being conducted by police, firefighters, and Self-Defense Force members at the disaster site may soon face more adverse weather.
The Meteorological Agency says heavy rain may hit parts of Shizuoka Prefecture on Monday, and is calling on people to stay vigilant.
