A devastating wildfire in northeastern Japan has burned over 1,200 hectares, making it the largest since 1992. One person has died, and over 80 homes have been lost. The government has intensified firefighting efforts, deploying more than 15 helicopters and seeking aid from other prefectures. Hundreds of residents remain under evacuation orders as authorities continue to manage the situation.
A forest fire in northeastern Japan has burned the largest area in over three decades, according to the central government. The blaze has expanded across more than 1,200 hectares in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, within three days. Local authorities indicate that the current incident has surpassed the previous record of 1,030 hectares established in Kushiro, Hokkaido, in 1992. This marks the most significant forest fire since the Heisei era, which spanned from 1989 to 2019.
The wildfire, which commenced on Wednesday, has resulted in one fatality and the destruction of over 80 homes. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s administration has intensified its measures to mitigate the repercussions of the fire. Additionally, over 15 helicopters, including a substantial deployment of larger Self-Defense Forces aircraft, are engaged in combating the flames through water drops.
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency, under the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, has sought emergency support from local governments such as Gunma, Saitama, and Tokyo, thus expanding the number of assisting prefectures to more than ten. The Ofunato government has placed over 3,000 residents from more than 1,300 households under evacuation orders due to the escalating situation.
The wildfire in northeastern Japan underscores the significant threats posed by such disasters, leading to extensive damage and loss of life. With a historic area burned and ongoing evacuation orders in place, government officials are taking decisive steps to control the situation and support affected communities. This event highlights the importance of readiness and rapid response to natural disasters.
Original Source: english.kyodonews.net
