Three dead in landslide in Japan after heavy rains

The landslide occurred early Friday morning as the weather agency warned of heavy rains in western Japan and authorities urged people to be on high alert for landslides and flooding in low-lying areas.

After a search lasting all night, two men and a woman were pronounced dead, an official from Ehime told AFP.

“We still don’t know if the three discovered are the ones who are missing,” he said, noting that officials were trying to verify their identities.

Japan is currently experiencing its annual rainy season, which often brings heavy rainfall and sometimes results in floods, landslides and fatalities.

Scientists say climate change is increasing the risk of heavy rain in Japan and elsewhere because a warmer atmosphere holds more water.

The landslide occurred at the foot of a hill on which the imposing Matsuyama Castle is located.

As of early Friday morning, Matsuyama had recorded 213 millimeters (8.4 inches) of rainfall since Wednesday, an amount almost equal to the average for the entire month of July, public broadcaster NHK reported.

Following the landslide, the city issued the highest level evacuation warning for about 22,000 people in more than 13,000 households.

kh/mtp