September 22
An NHK survey has found that there have been more than 40 cases of soil mound collapses across Japan in the past 24 years.
NHK conducted the survey with municipalities across the nation this month, following a deadly mudslide in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, that killed 26 people in July.
The survey turned up 44 cases of soil mounds collapsing in 16 prefectures.
The survey also found that 25 prefectures have ordinances regulating soil mounds. Under Japan's local autonomy act, the penalty for violating local ordinances is up to two years' imprisonment or a fine of up to one-million yen.
In the survey, municipalities responded that land developers ignore administrative directives, and that penalties based on ordinances are not enough to deter violations. Forty-three prefectures said laws regulating soil mounds are needed.
NHK
