Thousands evacuated as the largest fire in Japan in decades continue to burning

Japan has deployed more than 2,000 firefighters to fight the largest forest fire in the country in three decades.

At least one person has died in Blaze, who has set on more than 5,200 acres around the city of northern Ofunate since Thursday, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency (FDMA).

Although January to March is typically the dry season of aunate, the area saw less rain last month than any February in more than 20 years, registering only 2.5 millimeters, compared to the usual average of 41.

Around 4,600 people remain under evacuation orders issued by the Government as the fire continues to burning.

Some 2,000 have already abandoned the area to keep friends or family, and more than 1,200 have evacuated the shelters, authorities said.

The fires are burning in a forest area of ​​the Iwate Prefecture, which is the second largest prefecture in Japan and has the second lowest population density in the country.

It is estimated that more than 80 buildings were damaged so far, although FDMA said that details are still being evaluated.

“Although it is inevitable that the fire extends to some extent, we will take all possible measures to ensure that there is no impact on the homes of people,” said Prime Minister Shigeru ishiba in Parliament.

Thousands of 14 prefecture firefighters, including Tokyo, have been sent to fight fires. At least 16 helicopters are also being used, with images that show the aircraft that throw water on burning hills.

Like many other countries, Japan in 2024 registered its most popular year since the records began.

It is difficult to know if climate change has caused or worsened specific fires, because other factors, such as changes in the way the earth is used, are also relevant.

However, The IPCC says Climate change is making the necessary climatic conditions for forest fires to spread more likely.

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