Six Dead, 10 Missing as Record Rains Trigger Floods, Landslides in Japan

Record-breaking rainfall in Japan’s Ishikawa prefecture has resulted in devastating floods and landslides, leaving six people dead and 10 others missing. 

The cities of Wajima and Suzu, which are still recovering from a deadly earthquake earlier this year, have been among the hardest hit by the deluge, which began on Saturday and continued into Monday.

According to local reports, both cities experienced twice the average rainfall for September in just a single day. The heavy rains caused dozens of rivers to burst their banks, cutting off roads and isolating more than 100 communities across the region. The floodwaters have inundated homes, including temporary housing constructed for those displaced by the powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake that struck on New Year’s Day, killing 236 people.

Among the six fatalities, two people were found near a landslide-hit tunnel in Wajima. One of the victims was a construction worker who had been carrying out repairs in the area. The remaining victims, including two elderly men and an elderly woman, were reported by the Japan Times, citing local authorities.

Japan’s meteorological agency had issued its highest “life-threatening” alert level for Ishikawa on Saturday but downgraded it to a regular warning by Sunday. Despite this, officials have urged residents to remain vigilant, warning that the heavy rainfall may continue through Monday.

The devastation caused by the floods has compounded the challenges for Ishikawa’s residents, still reeling from the January earthquake that toppled buildings, sparked fires, and left thousands homeless. On Monday, around 4,000 households were left without power, according to the Hokuriku Electric Power Company.

In total, more than 40,000 residents across four cities in Ishikawa, including Wajima, Suzu, and Noto, were evacuated over the weekend. Neighboring Niigata and Yamagata prefectures also saw mass evacuations, with more than 16,000 residents being ordered to leave their homes.

As rescue operations continue, authorities are working tirelessly to reach isolated communities and locate those still missing amidst the ongoing floods and landslides. The recovery efforts come as the region braces for additional rainfall, complicating efforts to restore power and provide relief to affected residents.

Chioma Kalu

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