Heavy rain pounded Japan's north-central Noto region in Ishikawa prefecture on Saturday, triggering landslides and causing rivers to overflow. This severe weather has flooded homes and stranded residents who are still recovering from a deadly earthquake earlier this year.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued the highest level of heavy rain warnings for several cities in Ishikawa, including Wajima, where authorities reported one person missing. As of late Saturday morning, at least 12 rivers in the prefecture have breached their banks, according to the Land and Infrastructure Ministry.
Residents are urged to exercise maximum caution against potential mudslides and building damage. The JMA predicts up to 20 centimeters (7.8 inches) of rainfall in the region within the next 24 hours, driven by rainbands affecting the Hokuriku area.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed concern, stating, \"Heavy rain is hitting the region that had been badly damaged by the Noto earthquake, and I believe many people are feeling very uneasy.\" He emphasized that the government prioritizes search and rescue operations and has dispatched Self Defense Force troops to aid in the efforts.
While there have been no reports of injuries from the heavy rain so far, significant flooding has occurred, and some residents in Wajima remain stranded due to landslides. Additionally, approximately 6,500 homes are without power, and several muddy roads have been blocked. Heavy rain has also affected neighboring northern prefectures of Niigata and Yamagata, raising concerns about further flooding and damage.
The region is still reeling from a magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck on January 1, resulting in over 370 fatalities and extensive damage to roads and infrastructure. The ongoing heavy rain exacerbates the challenges faced by the local industry, economy, and daily lives of residents.
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Heavy rain pounds parts of Japan still recovering from deadly quake
cgtn.com
