Japan’s Ofunato hit by severe wildfire, 2,000 forced to evacuate
A massive wildfire has broken out in Oita Prefecture in southwestern Japan, destroying more than 80 homes and forcing around 2,000 people to evacuate, Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports, citing Kyodo News.
The fire started on Wednesday in the city of Ofunato and quickly spread, covering an area of approximately 600 hectares. Strong winds and dry conditions have fueled its rapid expansion.
Officials said one charred body was found in the aftermath of the fire, and police are investigating a possible link between the death and the blaze. Japan’s Self-Defense Forces have deployed helicopters to help contain the fire. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency has dispatched 680 firefighters from six nearby prefectures to assist in battling the flames.
On Thursday, nearby schools and kindergartens were closed, and around 500 homes in Ofunato were left without electricity. Additionally, train services on a section of the city’s railway line were suspended.
A wildfire had previously broken out in Ofunato on February 19 and was mostly extinguished by February 25. A second fire erupted in the neighboring city of Rikuzentakata on February 25 and was contained by midday the following day. Officials have not yet determined whether the incidents are connected.
Earlier, Kazinform News Agency reported that the Japanese government adopted bills to revise laws aimed at enhancing disaster prevention and relief efforts.