One dead and several missing after 'unprecedented' rains in Japan

In a recent and tragic event in Japan, heavy rainfall has led to devastating floods and landslides in the Ishikawa region, which is located in northern Japan. According to officials, one person has lost their life, and seven others are currently missing due to the severe weather conditions. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued its highest alert level, indicating that the situation is life-threatening. This alert was prompted by the torrential rains that are expected to continue until midday on Sunday. As a result of the flooding, over 40,000 residents across four cities have been ordered to evacuate their homes to ensure their safety. Reports indicate that at least a dozen rivers in the area have overflowed, leading to dangerous conditions. Among the missing individuals, two were swept away by the strong currents of the rivers, as reported by Japan's public broadcaster NHK. Additionally, four workers who were engaged in road repairs following a deadly earthquake on New Year's Day are also unaccounted for. The rainfall recorded in Wajima on Saturday morning reached over 120mm, marking the heaviest downpour in the region since records began. JMA forecaster Sugimoto Satoshi emphasized the unprecedented nature of this rainfall, stating, 'This level of downpours has never been experienced in this region before. ' He urged residents to prioritize their safety immediately, as the risk to their lives is significant. Footage from NHK displayed streets in Wajima completely submerged in water, illustrating the severity of the situation. Government official Koji Yamamoto informed AFP that there were 60 workers attempting to restore a road that had been damaged by the earthquake in Wajima. Unfortunately, these workers were caught in a landslide on Saturday morning. Yamamoto expressed concern, stating, 'I asked contractors to check the safety of workers, but we are still unable to contact four people. ' Rescue teams have faced challenges in reaching the affected areas due to landslides blocking their access. Furthermore, two individuals have sustained serious injuries as a result of the flooding. Reports indicate that approximately 6,000 households are without power, and an unknown number of homes lack running water. The cities of Wajima and Suzu, along with the town of Noto, have ordered around 44,000 residents to evacuate and seek shelter in Ishikawa prefecture on Honshu island. Additionally, another 16,000 residents in the Niigata and Yamagata prefectures, located north of Ishikawa, have also been instructed to evacuate. The areas of Wajima and Suzu, situated in central Japan's Noto peninsula, have been particularly hard hit by this disaster. This region is still recovering from a powerful earthquake that occurred earlier this year, which resulted in the loss of at least 236 lives and caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. In recent years, Japan has experienced unprecedented rainfall in various parts of the country, leading to floods and landslides that have sometimes resulted in casualties. The ongoing situation in Ishikawa serves as a reminder of the challenges posed by natural disasters and the importance of preparedness and safety measures.