Fire destroys over 170 buildings in Southern Japan
A massive blaze has torn through more than 170 buildings in the coastal Saganoseki district of Oita city in southern Japan, authorities said Wednesday, with the fire still not fully under control after burning through the night.
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported that about 175 residents evacuated to emergency shelters after the fire erupted around 5:40 p.m. Tuesday (0840 GMT). One person remains missing, and the cause of the blaze is still under investigation.
Aerial footage captured by local broadcasters showed entire blocks reduced to rubble, with thick columns of smoke rising from the hillside community overlooking a fishing port famous for its high-quality Seki mackerel.
Local media said the flames also spread into nearby forested areas, complicating containment efforts.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on X that a military firefighting helicopter had been deployed at the request of the Oita prefectural governor to help battle the fire.
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