Japan has successfully brought under control its worst wildfire in over fifty years, which began on February 26, claimed one life, damaged over 210 buildings, and forced evacuations of 4,200 residents. Mayor Kiyoshi Fuchigami confirmed the fire’s containment following favorable wet weather. It burned approximately 2,900 hectares, exceeding prior records set in 1975.
On Sunday, the mayor of Ofunato announced that Japan’s most severe wildfire in over fifty years has been successfully brought under control. This devastating fire, which started on February 26, has claimed at least one life and resulted in significant property damage, affecting over 210 buildings and forcing around 4,200 residents to evacuate their homes.
Mayor Kiyoshi Fuchigami stated at a news conference, “Following an aerial survey, we assessed that the fire no longer posed the risk of further spread. I declare that the fire is now under control.” The wildfire devastated approximately 2,900 hectares, nearly half the size of Manhattan, and is noted as Japan’s largest fire in half a century.
The incident surpassed the previous record set in 1975, when a fire on Hokkaido island burned 2,700 hectares. Fortunately, recent wet weather that began on Wednesday aided firefighting efforts, alleviating conditions that had persisted during an unprecedented dry spell.
Last year, Japan experienced its hottest summer on record, driven by the global effects of climate change. In February, Ofunato recorded an alarmingly low rainfall figure of just 2.5 millimeters, breaking the former record of 4.4 millimeters set in 1967, substantially lower than the typical average of 41 millimeters.
The frequency of wildfires in Japan has decreased since their peak in the 1970s, with around 1,300 occurrences reported annually in recent years. Such fires typically arise from February to May, corresponding with a period of drier air and increased winds.
The significant wildfire in Ofunato marks a troubling event in Japan’s recent history, being the most severe in over fifty years. It caused loss of life, extensive property damage, and massive evacuations. Climate change continues to exacerbate the likelihood of such occurrences, with the country’s previous records for dry weather being shattered. As firefighting efforts are bolstered by changing weather patterns, ongoing mitigation of climate risks remains crucial.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
