Tokyo/New York: Three days after the devastating landslide in coastal city of Atami in Shizuoka Prefecture of Japan, rescue workers were still continuing to search for survivors on Tuesday. At least four have reportedly been declared dead, with around 80 still missing in a landslide that struck in the residential area of the resort town, when record high levels of rain fell across the region over the weekend. Officials have warned of more heavy rains this week, keeping the area on high alert.
Around 1,500 rescue workers were reportedly searching the site of the disaster on Monday, and authorities said that an elderly couple were among 23 people rescued so far.
Atami, with a population of 36,000, saw more rainfall in the first three days of July, than it normally sees in the whole month. The town is is famous for its hot springs, is near Mount Fuji, and is about two hours southwest of Tokyo. Yet it has not been alone in suffering the impact of the heavy rains across Japan. Dozens of other cities and towns close to the capital have also recorded record levels.
The country has experienced a rise in floods in recent years, attributed to the effects of global warming, which has seen average rainfall increase.
In New York, United Nations Secretary-General stated that he was saddened by loss of life and destruction caused by the mudslide in Atami. While commending the work of the emergency responders, he extended his deep condolences to the families of the victims, the Government and people of Japan. He said the United Nations stands in solidarity with the Government and people of Japan.
– global bihari bureau
