Disaster in Japan: 179 dead, the Prime Minister goes on the spot

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is due to visit Wednesday in the stricken region of western Japan where at least 179 people have been killed by floods and landslides caused by heavy rains. 19659003] Shinzo Abe, who canceled a tour in four countries, including Belgium and France, left Tokyo early in the morning to fly over Okayama province, one of the most affected with that of Hiroshima, and visit various disaster areas.

In addition to the 179 deaths recorded, the authorities say they have no news of at least nine other inhabitants, the media reports of more than 50 or 60 missing.

This is the most serious disaster related to a meteorological phenomenon in the archipelago since 1982.

Thousands of victims are housed in refuges authorities, others have been greeted by relatives and many are wondering about their aven

In the early morning, in one of these improvised accommodation facilities, the gymnasium of Okada Primary School of Mabi district in Kurashiki, 20 to 30 people, mostly women and the elderly were sitting or lying on the floor covered with mats.

Hundreds more were outside, parties cleaning their homes. Air conditioners were installed during the night, the outside temperature exceeding 35 degrees.

Hiroko Fukuda, 40, fled her home Friday night with only a few clothes. She only went back to her house on Monday. The ground floor was devastated floor-to-ceiling, closet destroyed, tatami mats upside down.

"We had photos in the Japanese-style ground floor room, traditional" Hina "dolls for the girls' party in March, and my kimono and" furisode "(a type of kimono with long sleeves and fluids.) I wanted my daughter to wear it, "she told AFP, tears in her eyes.

" We can let home appliances leave, but memories like that, no. it's impossible to take pictures of her when she was three, impossible, it's too much trouble, "she says.

Some 75,000 police officers, firefighters, soldiers of the Self-Defense Forces (Named for the Japanese Army, ed) and coast guards were dispatched to help the victims.

Research and clean-up work is now going on in a sweltering heat, with a temperature of 35 ° C expected in the shade "and this sunny weather should last at least a week," said the spokesman of the government

"Great vigilance" is needed against the risk of sunstroke and heat stroke, as well as the possible new landslides, he insisted.

Unprecedented rainfall recorded in the space of three days resulted in terrible floods, mudslides and other major damage that trapped many people.

"I saw my house sink underwater and I could not do anything to do anything, absolutely nothing, I felt helpless, "says Fumiko Inokuchi, 61, resident of Mabi.

Firefighters sent to the neighborhood controlled one to a 2,000 houses invaded the waters. They have all been once inspected by the military but they want to be "absolutely sure" that there are no survivors or bodies there.

Still important risks

Fire trucks and other emergency vehicles have joined this part of Kurashiki, the most affected. The traces of mud left on the walls show that the water is up to the first floor of houses.

The food is no longer distributed properly and dozens of supermarkets usually open 24/24 have been totally

Relief services everywhere try to make up for shortages.

"We are fighting to bring goods, water and basic necessities to remote areas, we are sending them by sea and air, but it will take a long time to see the affected areas recover. Concerned about the condition of the survivors as the temperature rises rapidly, we install portable air conditioners in the refuges, "says Yoshinobu Katsuura, an official from Ehime Prefecture.

" We also offer hot baths and distribute We know it's a fight against time and we make every effort possible, "an official from the Okayama Prefectural Government told AFP.

In areas where buildings are on the mountainside, the landslides brought with them houses completely destroyed by the pbadage and the mud covered entire neighborhoods.

The risk of landslides remains important, given the fragility of waterlogged soils, the authorities warn.

A new evacuation order was issued in a village in the Hiroshima region due to a risk of overflowing a pond, explained the local authorities. Twenty-five households are involved.

11/07/2018 05:22:29 –
Kurashiki (Japan) (AFP) –
© 2018 AFP