New Delhi, Nov. 19 -- A major fire swept through a residential area in the southern Japanese city of Oita, forcing the evacuation of 175 people, the local government said on Wednesday. One person remains missing.

Firefighters were still battling the blaze, which has reportedly spread to a nearby forested mountain, public broadcaster NHK reported, showing white smoke rising from the flames in the distance.

Footage showed crews desperately hosing down "ferocious flames" as they tore through homes on Tuesday night, while residents were moved to a makeshift evacuation centre.

Eyewitness accounts highlighted the terrifying speed and intensity of the fire. "The flames rose high, turning the sky red. The wind was strong. I never thought it wo...