Iwate wildfire victims begin moving into temporary housing

Residents in Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, are beginning their move into temporary housing after a major wildfire destroyed their homes. The city has set up 30-square-meter units on the grounds of a former elementary school and plans to provide additional temporary shelter at 26 units built on the site of a former junior high school by May 24. Satoko Sodeno, who lost her home in the fire, is now settling into a temporary shelter. She chose to live alone for now but hopes to return with family within two years after the temporary housing ends. The wildfire, which began in February and burned over 3,000 hectares, has caused significant damage, including the complete destruction of 54 homes.