Devastating Rains Trigger Chaos in Japan's Noto Region

Heavy rain hit Japan's north-central Noto region, leading to landslides, floods, and one reported death, with several people missing. The cities of Suzu and Wajima were severely impacted. Authorities issued evacuation advisories and rescue operations were in full swing as more rainfall was expected.

Heavy rain pounded Japan's north-central region of Noto on Saturday, triggering landslides and floods that resulted in one death and several missing persons, officials reported.

The torrential rain caused rivers to overflow, leading to submerged homes and stranded residents in a region still reeling from the deadly January 1 earthquake.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued the highest level of heavy rain warning across multiple cities in Ishikawa prefecture, notably including Suzu and Wajima on the northern coast of the Noto peninsula.

One person was reported dead and another missing in Suzu, while another individual was missing in Noto town, according to prefectural authorities.

In Wajima, a landslide at a construction site left four people missing. They were among 60 workers repairing a tunnel damaged by January's earthquake, NHK reported. Another person was missing in a different flood-related incident in the city.

NHK footage showed a wooden house in a coastal area of Wajima severely damaged by a landslide from a steep hill, with muddy water still flowing. No injuries were reported from the site.

Two individuals in Noto town sustained serious injuries after being hit by a landslide while visiting their quake-damaged home.

By Saturday afternoon, at least 16 rivers in Ishikawa had overtopped their banks, according to the Land and Infrastructure Ministry. Officials urged residents to exercise extreme caution against potential mudslides and structural damage.

Approximately 1,350 residents had sought shelter at community centers, school gymnasiums, and other town facilities by late Saturday afternoon, authorities said.

Up to 20 centimeters of rainfall is forecasted for the region within the next 24 hours, prompted by rainbands causing torrential rain over the Hokuriku region, JMA stated.

"Heavy rain is hitting the already severely damaged region from the Noto earthquake, increasing public anxiety,'' said Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi.

Hayashi emphasized that the government's priority was search and rescue operations, urging residents to stay informed through weather and evacuation advisories. Self Defense Force troops have been dispatched to Ishikawa to assist in rescue efforts, he added.

A number of roads were inundated with muddy water, leading to blockages. Hokuriku Electric Power Co. reported that around 6,500 homes were without power, with some homes also lacking water supply.

Heavy rainfall also affected northern Niigata and Yamagata prefectures, raising concerns of flooding and additional damages, officials noted.

A 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the region on January 1, claiming more than 370 lives and damaging infrastructure. Its aftermath continues to impact local industry, economy, and daily life.

(With inputs from agencies.)