EHIME, Jul 14 (News On Japan) - Three people who went missing after a landslide in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, have been confirmed dead. The north slope of Matsuyama Castle collapsed early Friday morning, engulfing nearby houses.
The landslide caused a collapse of earth approximately 50 meters wide and 100 meters high.
There is a possibility that multiple landslides occurred. Footage taken immediately after the first landslide shows a large amount of mud flowing into the residential area.
Witness: "Around 3:55 AM, I noticed the first collapse. The sound was louder than thunder, and the smell of wood and earth was overwhelming, making it clear that a landslide had occurred. Then the second and third landslides happened about an hour later."
In footage taken around 5:00 AM, about an hour after the initial landslide, mud can still be seen flowing. Compared to the initial footage, the trees are gone.
Witness: "At first, more of the roof was visible, but after the second landslide, the roof was crushed, and by the third landslide, it felt very watery."
Another resident shared similar experiences.
Resident whose home was flooded by the landslide: "The first landslide hit, and then another came several minutes later."
Another resident affected by the landslide: "Everyone panicked and fled during the second landslide. The third one was so severe that we couldn't do anything but watch."
On Sunday, heavy rains of a warning level are expected in wide areas, including the Chugoku region and Kanto, necessitating caution.
Previously: Landslide at Matsuyama Castle Leaves Three Missing
