Tokyo, Nov 19 (NationPress) Tragically, one person has lost their life and more than 170 buildings have sustained damage due to a fire that swept through a densely populated residential neighborhood in Japan's Oita city overnight, as reported by local authorities on Wednesday.

Efforts to contain the blaze have been underway for over 12 hours since it was first reported on Tuesday in the Saganoseki port district. Local officials confirmed that nearly 180 residents were evacuated at one point. Police announced that a body was discovered at the fire site on Wednesday, and they are working to determine if it belongs to a 76-year-old man who is currently unaccounted for, according to Kyodo News.

The Oita prefectural government has requested assistance from the Self-Defence Forces to tackle the fire, which has consumed approximately 48,900 square meters, affecting nearby forested areas as well. Oita's Mayor, Shinya Adachi, expressed optimism, stating he did not anticipate further damage from the ongoing blaze.

Senior official Shogo Fujikawa remarked, “The smoke is lessening, and we are progressing towards controlling the situation,” while also advising caution against premature conclusions.

The police received reports of the fire at around 5:45 PM local time on Tuesday, in a residential area northeast of the Saganoseki fishing port. A strong wind advisory had been issued in the vicinity earlier that afternoon by the Japan Meteorological Agency.

The central government has also set up a liaison center at the Prime Minister's Office to monitor the situation. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi pledged governmental support in collaboration with local authorities and expressed gratitude to the firefighters and officials managing the crisis.

In a statement on social media, Takaichi noted, “Yesterday, a fire erupted in Oita City, Oita Prefecture, leading to the loss of one life and significant property damage. The government has established a liaison office for information gathering and dispatched personnel from the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. In response to a disaster request from the governor, the Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces are engaging in aerial firefighting operations utilizing helicopters.”

“We sincerely hope for the safety of the missing individual and extend our deepest sympathies to all residents affected by the cold. We appreciate the tireless efforts of firefighters, local officials, and the Self-Defense Forces,” she added.