July 12

Evacuees are being allowed to make brief visits to their homes in Atami, central Japan, for the first time since the city was hit by mudslides earlier this month.

The powerful mud torrents gushed down a slope in the city's Izusan district on July 3, damaging about 130 structures.

Ten people have been confirmed dead, and 18 others are missing.

About 580 evacuees are staying at hotels in Atami. Some were unable to bring medicines or other essentials with them.

On Monday, about 10 people arrived in the district by bus, and headed to their homes in the off-limits area to retrieve the items they need.

They were accompanied by city officials as a safety precaution and could only stay for about two hours.

The visits will continue through Wednesday.

NHK