Hiroshima, the largest island of Japan, is currently facing the catastrophic effect of the landslide that caused the death of more than 36 locals. Hiroshima is known to have picturesque mountain ranges, volcanoes, headlands, and forests that are beloved by both residents and foreign visitors.
Police, firemen, and government officials have been putting in efforts for search and rescue. However, due to the boulders caused by the landslide, the original plans that the search and rescue team had laid out became difficult to actually execute.
The land was said to have collapsed so quickly that families living near the hills and slopes were not prepared to this crushing event that led to the reported injuries and deaths.
A local told NHK, a national television network, that the rain poured heavily, causing the street in front of their house to flood and turn into a river.
Hiroshima police counted 36 people dead and at least a handful of people are injured and reported missing as of Wednesday night.
Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui reportedly said he is seeking for the cause and taking necessary measures.
Evacuation sites have been issued for the locals who have been badly affected by the landslide. Authorities posted warnings to the public to take extra precaution for unconditional rain might cause some unexpected landslides.
A landslide expert at National Graduate Institution, Hiroshi Ikeya, explained that the intense rain caused the fragile hills and slopes to crack and slide thus causing trees and debris to flow down the hill. This event happened when people were fast asleep and were not aware of the appalling landslide that claimed houses and lives of families.
In 1999, Hiroshima experienced a similar event, as hundreds of landslides claimed the lives of more than 30 people, reported ABC news.
Japan, known to be the land of the rising sun, is looking for relief from this disaster and is awaiting for the sun to rise again.
