Japanese authorities issued evacuation orders on Saturday for residents in the earthquake-affected Ishikawa region following “unprecedented” rainfall that caused severe flooding and landslides. Reports indicate that a dozen rivers had overflowed by mid-morning, leading to significant disruptions and danger for local communities.
Public broadcaster NHK reported that three individuals were missing, including two believed to have been swept away by powerful river currents. Further north in Wajima, one additional person was reported missing, with rescue workers investigating another potential case.
The flooding inundated numerous buildings and landslides obstructed roadways, prompting the cities of Wajima and Suzu, as well as Noto town, to order approximately 44,700 residents to evacuate. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued its highest-level warning for Ishikawa, labeling the situation as “life-threatening.” JMA forecaster Satoshi Sugimoto noted the area was experiencing “heavy rain of unprecedented levels,” emphasizing the immediate need for safety.
Rainfall in Wajima reached over 120 millimeters per hour, marking the heaviest downpour recorded since 1929. Dramatic footage showed streets completely submerged in water.
In response to the crisis, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida instructed the government to prioritize disaster management and the preservation of life. Self-Defense Forces personnel were dispatched to assist rescue operations, as local officials reported that at least one house had been impacted by a landslide.
Additionally, about 16,700 residents in the nearby Niigata and Yamagata prefectures were also advised to evacuate. By Saturday afternoon, approximately 6,600 households were without electricity, and communication services were disrupted for many in the affected areas.
Wajima and Suzu were previously devastated by a 7.5-magnitude earthquake on New Year’s Day that resulted in the deaths of at least 236 people and caused widespread destruction, including collapsed buildings and ruptured roads.
The recent extreme weather is part of a broader trend in Japan, where unprecedented rainfall has led to floods and landslides in recent years. Scientists attribute the increasing severity of such weather events to human-driven climate change, which intensifies rainfall by allowing a warmer atmosphere to hold more moisture.
