The new emperor grieved over the fire in Shouli city
Shouli city in Okinawa fell into a sea of fire, and thick smoke shrouded the night sky before dawn. On the morning of October 31, news television stations in Japan and around the world were broadcasting this painful picture. The famous world heritage site Shouli city caught fire late at night and turned into ashes. People were stunned and watched with tears and infinite regret. The local newspaper rushed out an extra number. The governor of Okinawa County, who was visiting South Korea, immediately cancelled his trip and hurried back. Shouli city is the residence city of ancient Ryukyu kings, the symbol of Okinawa and the spiritual sustenance of Okinawa people. This famous city, which embodies Chinese and Ryukyu culture, was blown up by the U.S. military in World War II. It was repaired on a large scale only in 1992. Unexpectedly, it was destroyed by a fire overnight. People still remember the fire of Notre Dame in Paris in April this year. Only more than half a year, the fire in Shouli city once again sounded the alarm for the protection of ancient buildings and human cultural heritage.
According to Asahi Shimbun, at about 2:40 a.m. local time on October 31, the police in Shouli City reported to the NABA fire department that black smoke was found. Although the fire brigade went out immediately, due to the strong wind that day, it was finally announced that the fire had been completely extinguished at 11 a.m. The local fire department dispatched more than 50 fire engines, and more than 170 people extinguished the fire on site. There were no casualties, but 30 residents nearby were temporarily evacuated. The fire destroyed all the main halls of Shouli City, and the adjacent North Hall and south hall were not rescued. Because the buildings were made of wood, a total of 7 buildings in the city, including the Golden Imperial Hall, were swallowed up by the fire within about 4200 square meters. As the fire was fierce and sparks splashed along the wind, the miscellaneous wood forest of the nearby county art university was also affected by the fire. Surrounding residents were arranged to take refuge in shelters. As of the evening of October 31, the cause of the fire had not been found out. It is reported that the city is preparing for the annual 'Shouli City Festival' (Shouli City Festival), but it is not clear whether the preparation for the festival is related to the fire.
According to Kyodo news agency, the Japanese cultural agency has sent investigators to the scene and jointly investigated the cause of the fire, fire prevention measures in Shouli city and the status of fire-fighting equipment with relevant departments such as the Fire Department of the Ministry of general affairs. The local police station said that no suspicious situation was found, so the possibility of man-made arson is unlikely. According to the Okinawa times, Danny Yucheng, governor of Okinawa County, hurried back from South Korea that day. Okinawa Prefecture and Naha City, where it is located, have set up countermeasures headquarters to respond urgently. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Kan Yiwei said, "Shouli city is a very important symbol for Okinawa. He expressed heartfelt condolences to the people of Okinawa and felt very sad. The (Japanese) government will fully support the reconstruction of (Shouli city). According to the announcement of Japan's Imperial Palace, the new emperor and queen of Japan also expressed deep sadness at the fire in Shouli city that day.