Floodwaters Engulf Noto: Heavy Rains Bring Chaos to Ishikawa, Japan
Heavy Rains Hit Japan’s Ishikawa Prefecture, Flooding Wajima City
Updated: 2024/9/21 11:28
Heavy Rain Warning Issued for Ishikawa Prefecture
Heavy rain fell in Japan’s Ishikawa Prefecture this morning, and the weather agency issued a ”heavy rain special warning” for Wajima City, Suzu City, and Noto Town in the prefecture.
The “Special Heavy Rain Warning” belongs to Level 5, the highest level of the 5-level warning, meaning the highest level of warning is required in the area where the warning is issued.
Rivers Overflow and Roads Blocked
The Japan Broadcasting Association (NHK) reported that the Ishikawa Prefectural Government River Division said that due to heavy rain, the Ukai River, which flows through Suzu City, and the Kawarada River, which flows through Wajima City, were confirmed to overflow as of 10:40 a.m. today.
The Ishikawa Prefecture Suzu Fire Department reported that due to heavy rains, National Highway No. 249 (similar to Taiwan’s provincial highways) in Qingmizu Town, Suzu City, has experienced a large amount of mud and rock flows, and the road is currently blocked.
Weather Agency Issues Warning
The weather agency issued a ”special heavy rain warning” with the highest alert level for Wajima City, Suzu City, and Noto Town at 10:50 this morning.
The Meteorological Agency and the Ministry of Lands, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism will hold a makeshift press conference later to explain future warnings on “special heavy rain warning” and other issues.
Residents Affected by Heavy Rains
A 58-year-old man who runs a B&B in Kawaicho, Wajima City said the rain started to intensify around 8 am today, causing the road in front of the B&B to flood.
After that, the heavy rain continued, and by 9 am the water depth was almost below the knees, and the rainwater also moved to the western part of the B&B.