Ishikawa, Japan: Thousands of residents in Ishikawa Prefecture have been ordered to evacuate as unprecedented rains have triggered severe floods and mudslides in the region. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued its highest alert level for Ishikawa and that 3 people were reported missing in the prefecture’s Wajima city due to the flood.
Approximately 44,700 people in Wajima, Suzu, and Noto town have been ordered to evacuate. JMA forecaster Satoshi Sugimoto informed reporters that the affected areas were experiencing “unprecedented levels of heavy rain” and stressed that, “It is a situation where immediate safety measures must be taken.”
An additional 16,000 residents in Niigata and Yamagata prefectures, located north of Ishikawa, were also instructed to evacuate, as reported by the agency.
The region, located along Japan’s western coast, experienced a New Year’s Day quake earlier this month, the sudden flooding and mudslides have only compounded the damage, cutting off roads, submerging homes and vehicles, and causing power outages in several towns.
Hourly rainfall came to a record 121mm (4.8 inches) in Wajima, while neighbouring Suzu saw 84.5mm in an hour, also an all-time high. At least 12 rivers in Ishikawa overflowed their banks on Saturday, according to the Land and Infrastructure Ministry.
Power company officials reported that nearly 6,000 households in the area were left without electricity. Weather forecasts predict the heavy rains will continue for at least another 24 hours, heightening the risk of additional landslides and floods.
The region is still struggling to recover from the magnitude-7.5 earthquake that recently struck, causing widespread destruction, including toppled buildings, damaged roads, and a major fire.
Local officials and emergency responders are working around the clock to assist those stranded by the rising floodwaters, while the Self-Defence Forces have been deployed to aid in rescue and recovery operations. Emergency shelters have been set up across the prefecture, with residents urged to take shelter and stay informed on the evolving situation.
Authorities are advising caution as rescue efforts continue, urging residents to heed evacuation orders and remain vigilant.
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