The Noto Peninsula in central Japan has been grappling with the devastating aftermath of heavy rains that triggered floods and landslides, claiming one life and leaving at least 11 people missing. This disaster comes just months after the region was ravaged by a major earthquake.
The unprecedented rainfall, which began on Saturday, subsided on Sunday, revealing a landscape marred by mud and destruction. The national weather agency urged residents to remain vigilant for potential hazards, such as loose ground.
In the city of Wajima, the once serene river swelled to near-ground level, carrying debris and uprooted trees. Residents were seen wading through the mud to salvage their belongings, while floodwaters inundated emergency housing built for those displaced by the New Year's Day earthquake.
Akemi Yamashita, a local resident, recounted the terrifying experience of being caught in the rising floodwaters. "Within 30 minutes, the water gushed into the street and quickly rose to half the height of my car," she said. The combined impact of the earthquake and floods has left many residents feeling heartbroken and devastated.
Eight temporary housing complexes in Wajima and Suzu, two cities severely affected by the earthquake, were impacted by the floods. These areas had already been reeling from the damage caused by the magnitude-7.5 quake, which resulted in widespread destruction, tsunami waves, and a major fire.
The heavy rainfall, which amounted to over 540 millimeters in just 72 hours, surpassed any previous recorded levels since 1976. The relentless downpour triggered landslides, blocked roads, and hampered rescue efforts. Tens of thousands of people in the wider region were advised to evacuate.
Muddy rivers flowed high in Anamizu, south of Wajima, where the rain further damaged earthquake-stricken houses and the shattered stone columns of a shrine. The city's disaster prevention system issued warnings about potential flooding of the sewer system and rising dirty water.
Hideaki Sato, a survivor of the earthquake, expressed his concerns about the flooding of his temporary apartment. "If this floods, it would be a real problem," he said, pointing to the wooden structure where he now resides.
The Japanese government has deployed military personnel to the Ishikawa region to assist in rescue efforts. Power and water outages have affected thousands of households, and the regional government has urged residents to take necessary precautions.
While the Japan Meteorological Agency has downgraded the top warning, the situation remains critical. Scientists attribute the increased risk of heavy rains to climate change, which is causing warmer temperatures and higher atmospheric moisture levels.
The death toll from the floods and landslides has risen to one, with eight people missing or unaccounted for. One person suffered serious injuries, and at least a dozen rivers overflowed their banks. Several individuals, including three land ministry workers, are reported missing.
Municipalities in Ishikawa have issued evacuation orders to over 110,000 residents, and additional evacuation advisories have been issued in neighboring prefectures.
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