Wildfires in Iwate burn 1,176 hectares and force evacuation of 2,588 residents

12 articles · Updated · NHK WORLD · Apr 25

The fires in Otsuchi Town, Iwate Prefecture, have destroyed eight buildings and prompted evacuation orders for about a quarter of the town’s population.
Firefighting efforts continue on the ground and from the air as flames approach the town center. As of Friday morning, 309 residents were sheltering at four locations, with dry weather expected to persist.
Authorities previously evacuated over 3,000 people as the blazes spread rapidly, fueled by dry conditions linked to climate change. The fires are among the largest in Japan’s recent history, raising concerns about future wildfire risks.

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