Japan fire destroys over 170 buildings in Ōita VIDEO

A major fire has swept through the city of Ōita in Japan’s Kyushu island, destroying more than 170 buildings, including numerous homes, officials say.

The blaze, which broke out on November 18, has spread to residential areas and nearby forests, with firefighters struggling to contain it, Caliber.Az reports, citing Japanese media.

Around 175 people have taken refuge in a public centre converted into an evacuation shelter. A 76-year-old man is reported missing.

Ōita Prefecture authorities have invoked the Disaster Relief Act, under which the government covers the cost of operating evacuation centres and assisting affected residents.

Emergency services continue efforts to control the fire, and residents are urged to stay alert.

By Aghakazim Guliyev