TOKYO — A landslide struck one of the main access points for climbers on Japan’s Mount Fuji after heavy rain swept across central parts of the country, covering three vehicles with debris.
No injuries or casualties were immediately reported from the landslide, which occurred after intense rainfall hit mountainous areas of Shizuoka Prefecture overnight and into Wednesday morning.
Three vehicles buried by debris
Local broadcaster TBS reported that three vehicles were covered by debris when the landslide struck near one of the main starting points used by climbers heading to Mount Fuji.
Authorities had not reported any injuries or deaths linked to the incident at the time of the report.
The landslide followed a period of intense rainfall that affected central Japan and raised concerns about flooding and further slope failures.
Major access road closed
The heavy rain also forced the closure of the Fuji Subaru Line, one of the main roads providing access to Mount Fuji.
The road closure added to disruptions in the area as authorities monitored weather conditions and the potential for further landslides.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency said mountainous areas of Shizuoka Prefecture had experienced particularly heavy rainfall overnight.
Two climbers found unconscious
In a separate incident, two climbers were found unconscious on Mount Fuji early Wednesday.
Police said the cases had not been linked to the landslide.
A mountain rescue team was dispatched to assist, while authorities continued to investigate the circumstances surrounding the climbers.
Another landslide turns deadly
Elsewhere in Shizuoka Prefecture, another landslide struck the town of Kawanehon on Tuesday night.
A worker who had been left unconscious following that incident was later confirmed dead, according to local authorities.
The incidents came as severe weather created dangerous conditions across several parts of central Japan.
Flooding affects nearby prefectures
Torrential rain also battered Aichi and Gifu prefectures, causing flooding and injuring 41 people, according to reports.
Nagoya recorded a historic 104.5mm of rainfall in just one hour on Tuesday evening.
The extreme weather disrupted transportation services and left commuters facing long queues at stations across central Nagoya.
Heavy rain threat continues
Japan’s Meteorological Agency warned that heavy rain could continue across parts of the country through Wednesday afternoon.
Authorities urged residents and travellers in affected areas to remain alert for flooding, landslides and other weather-related hazards.
Mountainous regions are particularly vulnerable after prolonged or intense rainfall, as saturated ground can increase the risk of sudden slope failures.
The bottom line
A landslide triggered by heavy rain struck a major climbing access point on Mount Fuji, covering three vehicles with debris but causing no reported injuries or deaths.
The severe weather also forced the closure of a major access road to Japan’s highest mountain, while two climbers were found unconscious in a separate incident.
Elsewhere in central Japan, torrential rain caused widespread flooding, injuries and another fatal landslide.
As heavy rain continues to affect parts of Japan, authorities are closely monitoring the risk of further flooding and landslides.
WWC ONE MEDIA J.M.D
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