Following the heavy rainfall, a mudslide swept a row of houses in Atami near Capital Tokyo on Saturday morning. So far, two bodies are found and at least 20 are reported missing. According to the media reports, a “deluge of black water and debris” crashed into the residence in the town.
The visuals of the horrifying disaster have gone viral on social media. In the viral video, a torrent of mud can be seen obliterating buildings as it crashes down a hillside in Atami.
The head of a temple near the site of disaster told the media, “I heard a horrible sound and saw a mudslide flowing downwards as rescue workers were urging people to evacuate. So I ran to higher ground.”
"When I returned, houses and cars that were in front of the temple were gone," he added.
Japan Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said that emergency services along with the military had launched rescue and evacuation operations as there is a forecast warning regarding more downpours.
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“There is a risk of heavy rain due to the rain front, thus we must remain at high alert,” said PM Yoshihide Suga.
Located in Japan’s Shizuoka Prefecture, Atami town is known for its hot springs. The name Atami literally means ‘north ocean.’ The town is built on the steep slopes of a partially submerged volcanic caldera on the outskirt of Sagami Bay.
Since earlier this week, heavy rains have lashed Japan, prompting rivers in the country's center and in Tokyo to overflow, raising the risk of landslides.
"Because of the heavy rain, the ground loosened and the mudslide occurred... it picked up speed and swept away houses together with people," said Shizuoka Governor Heita Kawakatsu.