Six people have died, and ten others remain missing after unprecedented rainfall caused severe floods and landslides in Japan’s Ishikawa prefecture. The hardest-hit areas, including the cities of Wajima and Suzu, are still grappling with the aftermath of a deadly earthquake from January. Torrential rains began on Saturday and continued until Monday noon, inundating entire communities.
Local reports reveal that both Wajima and Suzu received double the average rainfall they typically see in September. The relentless downpour caused rivers to overflow, severing road links and isolating over 100 communities.
Among the victims were two individuals found near a landslide-hit tunnel, including a construction worker performing road repairs. The other fatalities included elderly residents.
Japan’s meteorological agency had issued its highest-level alert for Ishikawa, warning of life-threatening conditions. Though the alert has since been downgraded, authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant as rain was forecast to continue until at least noon on Monday.
Floodwaters also ravaged temporary housing built for survivors of the New Year’s earthquake. NHK footage showed an entire street in Wajima submerged under water. The region is still recovering from the 7.5 magnitude earthquake in January that claimed 236 lives.
Around 4,000 households lost power, and over 40,000 residents were evacuated across Ishikawa. Nearby Niigata and Yamagata prefectures also issued evacuation orders for 16,000 residents. Rescue efforts are underway, with authorities continuing to search for those still missing amidst the devastation.
