Japan’s northcentral region of Noto was hit by heavy rain causing landslides and rivers to overflow, flooding homes and stranding residents still recovering from a recent earthquake. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued the highest level of heavy rain warning in Ishikawa prefecture, with at least 12 rivers breaching their banks.
Authorities have urged caution against mudslides as up to 20 centimeters of rainfall is predicted within the next 24 hours. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi emphasized the government’s focus on search and rescue operations. While no injuries have been reported, many homes were flooded and residents were left stranded in Wajima.
The heavy rain also affected neighboring prefectures, threatening flooding and damages. The region is still reeling from a magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck earlier in the year, causing extensive casualties and infrastructure damage.
(Cover: People push a car in Suzu City, Ishikawa prefecture, on September 21, 2024. /CFP)