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4 confirmed dead in Atami mudslides

Jul 05, 2021 (NHK) - Rescue crews are expanding the search for survivors of last weekend's deadly mudslides in the city of Atami in central Japan.

City officials say four people have been confirmed dead, while 80 others remain unaccounted for.

Officials in Shizuoka Prefecture say the torrent of mud washed away at least 130 homes and buildings in the city on Saturday.

Authorities say two people have been rescued on Monday, neither of whom are injured.

But two more people were confirmed dead on Monday, raising the death toll to four.

Officials say 215 people are registered as living in the devastated area. So far they have reached 135 residents.

But they say they cannot confirm the exact whereabouts of the remaining 80. That number may include people who moved out of the area but are still registered as residents.

The debris flow has interrupted the city's water supply and blocked some roads.

Many people have been forced out of their homes.

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