Tragedy struck a Japanese peninsula still recovering from a devastating earthquake earlier this year as heavy rain caused floods and landslides, claiming at least six lives and leaving two missing. The downpour, with over 540 millimeters of rain recorded in just 72 hours, submerged emergency housing and left 4,000 households without power. The region, still scarred by a magnitude-7.5 quake, saw roads blocked and over 100 areas isolated due to landslides.
Resident Akemi Yamashita described the events as “heart-breaking” and “like something from a movie”. Amidst the devastation, military personnel and rescue workers joined forces to aid tens of thousands of evacuees. Scientists warn that human-driven climate change is heightening the danger of heavy rains by enabling a warmer atmosphere to hold more water.
The situation remains critical in Ishikawa, with authorities urging immediate safety measures. As communities grapple with the aftermath of natural disasters, the resilience and unity of the Japanese people shine through in the face of adversity.