This archive report was first published on 3 July 2021.
At least 20 people are missing after a devastating landslide hit Atami city in Japan following heavy rainfall on July 3, 2021.
A video shared on social media shows a massive amount of black mud flowing down from a mountain top and through the city towards the sea, destroying many houses and properties in its path.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has formed a committee to intervene in the disaster caused by the heavy rainfall on the Pacific coastline.
Residents of Chiba, Kanagawa, and Shizuoka have been advised to evacuate due to early warnings of potential further flooding in lower areas.
Japan is prone to flooding and mudslides, with dozens killed in the 2020 flooding and more than 200 killed in 2018.
A witness described the scene as 'horrible' and said they heard a mudslide flowing downwards as rescue workers were urging people to evacuate.
Many survivors escaped to higher grounds, but the full extent of the damage is still unknown.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders to ensure their safety.
