Japan's northcentral region of Noto was hit by heavy rain on Saturday, leading to landslides and floods that resulted in one fatality and several missing individuals. The deluge caused rivers to overflow, inundating homes and leaving some residents stranded in an area still recovering from a recent earthquake.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued the highest level of heavy rain warnings for several cities in the Ishikawa prefecture, including Suzu and Wajima on the northern coast of the Noto peninsula. In Suzu, one person lost their life and another went missing due to floodwaters. Additionally, four individuals were reported missing in Wajima following a landslide at a construction site.
As of Saturday afternoon, at least 16 rivers in Ishikawa had breached their banks, prompting authorities to urge residents to be cautious of potential mudslides and building damage. Approximately 1,350 residents sought shelter at designated community centers and school gymnasiums.
The heavy rainfall, expected to reach up to 20 centimeters within the next 24 hours, poses a significant threat to the region. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi emphasized the government's commitment to prioritizing search and rescue operations and urged residents to stay informed about weather updates and evacuation advisories.
The aftermath of a 7.6 magnitude earthquake that struck the region on January 1 continues to impact local communities, with over 370 casualties reported and widespread damage to infrastructure. The Self Defense Force troops have been deployed to Ishikawa to assist in rescue efforts amid the ongoing challenges posed by the inclement weather.
Heavy rain also affected neighboring prefectures of Niigata and Yamagata, heightening the risk of flooding and additional damages. The severe weather conditions have led to power outages, blocked roads, and disrupted water supplies, further complicating the recovery efforts in the region.
