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Japan Issues Highest Alert as Torrential Rain Hits Ishikawa, 1 Dead, Several Missing

Sep 21, 2024, 08:52 AM

Japanese authorities have issued the highest-level alert for torrential rainfall in Ishikawa Prefecture, which was severely hit by a New Year's Day earthquake. The Japan Meteorological Agency has declared a Level 5 emergency warning, urging nearly 30,000 residents to evacuate from the cities of Wajima, Suzu, and the town of Noto. The region, part of the Noto Peninsula on Honshu, is experiencing its heaviest rainfall since 1975, leading to significant flooding, landslides, and swollen rivers. At least one person has been killed and several others are missing. The floods have caused massive damage, including power outages affecting approximately 4,800 homes and 257 homes in Wajima and Suzu. Twelve rivers in the region have burst their banks.