At least 179 dead as Japan comes out of its worst flood for decades



[ad_1]

  A car is sinking in the mud while people are resting in the shadow of a partially submerged house

Image copyright
Getty Images

Image caption [19659005] This is the worst climate disaster in the country since 1982

Japan is still reeling from one of its worst natural disasters for decades, which has left at least 179 dead and 70 missing.

Torrential rains triggered landslides and floods in the central and western regions. More than 8 million people have been ordered to evacuate their homes.

The rains have decreased, but the country continues to struggle to cope with the many damages it has suffered.

It is the highest mortality rate caused by rains in Japan since 1982.

"Our memories are gone"

Some 270,000 homes were cut in the country and thousands of Others remain without electricity

The Okayama, Hiroshima and Yamaguchi prefectures were the hardest hit, with images showing significant damage, especially to Okayama.

Some 8.63 million people in 23 prefectures were ordered to evacuate. Thousands are currently living in temporary shelters in classrooms and gymnasiums.

Copyright of the author
Getty Images

Image caption

Evacuation centers abound with people

About 300 people spent the night at Okada Elementary School in Okayama Prefecture, and many of them slept on blue mats in the school gymnasium.

A family had to send their young daughter to parents After being so upset by the evacuation, she stopped eating.

The couple returned home Monday to see what they could recover, but they found their entire ground floor submerged.

"We can accept to lose things like home appliances, but … everything is gone," Hiroko Fukuda said.

Other stories of personal difficulties have also emerged.

Two sisters, aged nine and six, who attended a primary school with only six students on the small island of Nuwa, died after the landslide. Saturday.

A three-year-old whose house was hit by a landslide in Hiroshima also died, according to a Reuters report.

Copyright of the Image
Getty Images

Image Legend

Houses were destroyed by the floods

There was a brighter news when it appeared that a miniature horse had survived three days stranded on a roof before being rescued by aid workers when the flood waters were flooded. declined.

Copyright
AFP

Leaf, a pet in a retirement home in the city of Kurashiki, had captured hearts throughout the country. Unfortunately, his colt did not survive the floods.

More than 70,000 rescuers, including firefighters and the military, are currently involved in relief operations.

Copyright of the author
Getty Images

Photo caption

More than 70,000 emergency workers were deployed

The Japanese Meteorological Agency warned that new landslides could still occur, urging people to stay on their guard.

A question of timing

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe canceled a trip abroad to deal with the flood crisis. Mr. Abe is currently in Okayama to check the extent of the damage

Copyright of the Image
EPA

Image Caption

M. Abe is seen here visiting residents evacuated from Okayama Prefecture

But he is now in the limelight, after photos posted on Twitter showed him at a party with lawmakers as the rains intensified.

Many social media users have criticized their actions. and heard about the rains and landslides? "a user asked on Twitter." Does the word abstain in his dictionary? "

" They are inside drinking and drinking, when others are in the process of To fight, Senators, I thought you'd care more about your people. [ad_2]
Source link