The Noto region of central Japan, still recovering from a devastating earthquake earlier this year, was hit by record rainfall on Saturday, leading to at least one confirmed death and widespread disruption. The torrential rains prompted evacuation orders for tens of thousands, blackouts for over 6,000 households, and left seven people, including four involved in quake reconstruction, missing.
In Wajima, rainfall reached a record-breaking 121 mm per hour, while neighboring Suzu saw 84.5 mm of rain in a single hour. Streets turned into rivers, submerging vehicles as floodwaters swept through the area.
Residents like Eiichi Higashi, who had already lost their homes to the New Year’s Day earthquake, were forced to evacuate again due to the floods. “It’s tough to see people who live in temporary housing now coming to yet another shelter because of the rain,” Higashi told NHK.
Military personnel, police officers, and firefighters have been dispatched to assist in rescue efforts. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi expressed concern for the region, acknowledging the anxiety of those already affected by the earlier 7.6 magnitude earthquake that claimed over 300 lives in Suzu, Wajima, and surrounding areas.