玄倉川水難事故, Water accident in Yamakita, Japan
The Genkuragawa water incident occurred in 1998 at a riverside campsite in Yamakita, Kanagawa. It resulted from flooding caused by water released from upstream dams combined with heavy rainfall.
In 1998, about 18 campers were on the riverbed during a tropical depression over the region. The disaster claimed 13 lives and led to changes in warning systems.
The incident sparked public discussion about weather warnings and risks in outdoor recreation. It changed how people view mountain rivers and flooding dangers.
Visitors should understand that mountain rivers can swell rapidly, especially during bad weather or after heavy rain. It is important to take weather warnings seriously and choose campsites on high, safe ground.
The camp was located in the riverbed itself, an exceptionally dangerous location during rain or storms. This choice left the group vulnerable to the rapid water rise with little warning time.
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