According to Japanese authorities, at least 19 people are missing after a violent mudslide swept away rows of houses in Atami, west of Tokyo.

The mudslide occurred on Saturday morning in Atami, a town known for its hot springs, according to disaster management officials in Shizuoka prefecture in central Japan.

Takamichi Sugiyama, a prefectural disaster management official, said rescuers are looking for at least 19 individuals, adding that the mudslide occurred in the Izusan area.

Some individuals in the region are reported to have evacuated, according to Mr Sugiyama, but no additional details were immediately available.

A huge, black mudslide raced down a slope, knocking down and smashing houses in its path as helpless neighbors watched in fear, some capturing the event on their phones.

Since earlier this week, heavy rain has been pelting Japan, forcing rivers to overflow in central and Tokyo, raising the risk of landslides.

Mr Sugiyama noted that the military will join firefighters and police in the rescue effort. A large area has also been issued with evacuation alerts.