Japanese authorities have ordered the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents in Ishikawa on Saturday, as the region faces “unprecedented” rainfall leading to severe flooding and landslides.
By 11:00 am (0200 GMT), a dozen rivers had overflowed their banks, according to land ministry official Masaru Kojima. Reports indicate that three people are missing in Ishikawa, with two swept away by strong currents. Additionally, one person is missing in nearby Wajima, where rescue teams are verifying reports of another individual unaccounted for.
Devastating floods hit Wajima City, Ishikawa, Japan due to intense rainfall.
Emergency services on scene. Residents urged to seek higher ground.
Stay safe, Japan! #JapanFloods #WajimaCity #Ishikawa #HeavyRain #FloodAlert pic.twitter.com/XpZe2WqMfb
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Heavy rainfall has inundated numerous buildings and blocked roads due to landslides, prompting evacuation orders for approximately 44,700 residents in Wajima, Suzu, and Noto. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued its highest-level warning for Ishikawa, describing the situation as life-threatening and advising residents to prioritize their safety immediately.
Wajima recorded over 120 millimeters (4.7 inches) of rain per hour, marking the heaviest downpour since 1929. Footage from NHK showed entire streets submerged in water. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has instructed the government to prioritize disaster management and rescue efforts, with Self-Defense Forces deployed to assist.
In addition, around 16,700 residents in Niigata and Yamagata prefectures have also been ordered to evacuate. By Saturday afternoon, approximately 6,600 households were without electricity, and communication services were disrupted in affected areas.
The region is still recovering from a devastating 7.5 magnitude earthquake on New Year’s Day that resulted in 236 fatalities. Experts have noted that climate change is exacerbating the risk of heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding across Japan.
