Heavy Rain Causes Flooding in Central Japan, Leaving 1 Dead and 10 Missing

Ishikawa Prefecture in central Japan is experiencing unprecedented heavy rain, worsening the damage from the earthquake earlier this year.

According to reports, one person has died and 10 others are missing after the heavy rains hit the Noto region within Ishikawa Prefecture on Saturday, September 21, 2024, causing flooding and prompting the Meteorological Department to issue the highest warning of heavy rain.

Record-Breaking Rainfall

A linear rain band formed in the area, causing more than 120 mm/hour of rain in Wajima City, the heaviest rain since record keeping began in 1929.

Damage and Casualties

Ishikawa Prefecture officials reported that one person was found dead in the city of Suzu in the Noto region, while 10 people are missing in Wajima. The fire department confirmed that three people were swept away in rivers in the cities of Suzu, Wajima, and Noto.

Earthquake Aftermath

The Land Ministry office is working to revive the Noto region, which was affected by the 7.6 magnitude earthquake on New Year’s Day. Four people were reported missing after a landslide occurred at a tunnel construction site in the city of Wajima, which was also damaged by the earthquake.

Floods and Power Outages

Many homes were flooded, and power outages affected approximately 3,100 households in Wajima, 1,200 households in Suzu, and 960 households in Noto. Japan’s Land Administration reported that more than 10 rivers in Ishikawa Prefecture had overflowed their banks.

Evacuation Warnings

Authorities urged more than 44,700 people to evacuate in advance, citing concerns about damaged dams and potential flooding. Additionally, 16,700 people in Niigata and Yamagata prefectures received warnings to evacuate.

Weather Warnings

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) warned of a warm, moist air stream blowing into the low-pressure area, causing volatile weather in the Tohoku region. Residents were advised to be cautious of landslides and floods in low-lying areas.

Transportation Disruptions

JR East Company suspended the Yamagata Shinkansen train service in the Tohoku region throughout Saturday, while many roads were closed due to heavy rain.