Japan is battling its worst wildfires in more than 30 years as blazing infernos continue to scorch thousands of hectares of land each day.
Local media reported Monday that firefighters, supported by military helicopters from Japan’s Self-Defense Forces, are struggling to contain multiple fires raging in the forested areas around the northeastern city of Ofunato.
According to public broadcaster NHK, the fires, which began last Wednesday, have already burned approximately 2,100 hectares. In the past 24 hours alone, another 3,000 hectares of land have been consumed by the flames.
Firefighting efforts are underway both from the air and on the ground as thick smoke drifts toward nearby residential areas. At least one person has been reported killed, and more than 80 buildings have sustained damage due to the wildfires. Nearly 1,200 residents have been evacuated to temporary shelters as authorities work to manage the crisis.
“We are concerned about the spread of the fires. We believe in the power of firefighting from the air and the ground. We'll try to put out the blazes,” Ofunato Mayor Fuchigami Kiyoshi said in a statement.
Local officials and emergency services continue to monitor the situation closely as they coordinate efforts to protect lives and property. The sustained efforts by firefighters and military support underscore the severity of the situation, with the wildfires posing significant challenges amid unpredictable weather conditions.
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