Japan Floods: A State of Disaster
Unprecedented rain has caused massive flooding in at least two prefectures north of Tokyo and just south of Fukushima where a nuclear power facility damaged by the the 2011 earthquake and tsunami has struggled to contain contamination. Owner of the damaged nuclear power plant, TEPCO has reported that it’s drainage pumps were overwhelmed, and massive amounts of contaminated water are being contained at the site. Other sources claim contaminated water has flowed into the sea.
Dramatic scenes of destruction reminiscent of the 2011 tsunami unfolded in Tochigi and Ibaraki prefectures as fast-moving floodwaters swept away buildings and vehicles. People sought refuge on the roofs of their homes as military and rescue helicopters airlifted people to safety. Hundreds of people still await rescue while 8 people are reported as missing.
90, 000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes, and more are on standby for evacuation orders. The torrential rain was brought by Typhoon Etau which made landfall yesterday.
Sources: BBC, NHK
Photo Credits: AFP
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