Japan's worst wildfire in 50 years razes 200 buildings, scorches 2,900 hectares

By Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Pakistan (AA) - A massive wildfire in northeastern Japan, that lasted for 12 days, destroyed more than 200 buildings and burned around 2,900 hectares (7,165 acres) of land, local media reported Monday.

Evacuation orders for 2,424 people from 979 households in Ofunato city, Iwate prefecture, were set to be lifted later Monday, according to the Tokyo-based Kyodo News.

The wildfire, the worst in more than 50 years, was declared contained Sunday. At least one person was killed.

"Based on aerial reconnaissance, we have determined that there is no risk of the fire spreading further. Moving forward, we will focus on supporting the victims and staying alert to ensure the fire is fully extinguished," Ofunato Mayor Kiyoshi Fuchigami was quoted as saying by Kyodo News.

The fire, which started on Feb. 26, burned 9% of Ofunato city.

The damage included 102 homes -- with 76 completely destroyed -- and 108 non-residential buildings, including offices. The number of affected structures is expected to rise as investigations continue.

On Friday, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said at a government meeting that the fire would be classified as a "disaster of extreme severity" and that central government subsidies for local recovery and reconstruction would be increased.