(Al Jazeera) At least two people have been killed and many others have been reported missing on Saturday, after heavy rains hit Japan’s central city of Atami in Shizuoka, triggering landslides, according to the public broadcaster NHK.
Two people were “found in a state of cardio and respiratory arrest”, Shizuoka governor said, an expression often used in Japan before confirming death.
“Because of the heavy rain, the ground loosened and the mudslide occurred… it picked up speed and swept away houses together with people,” Governor Heita Kawakatsu told reporters.
Atami is located approximately 100km (62 miles) southwest of capital, Tokyo.
A video clip posted on social media showed the moment that raging water swept through Atami, destroying several homes along its path as several frightened onlookers ran for their lives.
