Sunday marks two weeks since a wildfire broke out in Ehime Prefecture, western Japan. An expert has warned of an increased risk of mud flows triggered by heavy rain due to accumulated ash and other conditions.



The forest fire started in the city of Imabari on March 23. It was declared contained on the ninth day. An area of about 442 hectares was burned.



Associate Professor Kimura Takashi of Ehime University's Graduate School of Agriculture conducted an on-site survey this month.



Kimura found branches and leaves completely burned off trees on hillsides and ash accumulating on the ground surface across wide areas. He also confirmed that the layer of ash in some places was about 3 centimeters.



Kimura says without tree branches and leaves, rain falls directly on the ground, and the layer of ash makes it difficult for rainwater to soak through.



He suggests that in the event of heavy rainfall, a large volume of water could flow over the surface, bringing with it mud and causing flows of debris.



Kimura points out that authorities should step up monitoring of slopes that are particularly at risk.



He advises residents to be aware that the mountains are now in a very different state. He says they should be ready to evacuate earlier than they would usually do.