Severe Flooding, Landslides Hit Japan’s Ishikawa Region: 1 dead, 7 missing

One person has died and at least seven are missing in Japan’s Ishikawa region following unprecedented rainfall that triggered floods and landslides, Arba News reported today.

Authorities reported that a dozen rivers burst their banks by 11:00 AM (0200 GMT), prompting evacuation orders for approximately 44,700 residents in Wajima, Suzu, and Noto town. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its highest-level warning, describing the situation as life-threatening.

Over 120 millimeters (4.7 inches) of rain fell per hour in Wajima, marking the heaviest rainfall since records began in 1929. Rescue efforts are hindered by blocked roads, with four land ministry workers missing after a landslide occurred while they were restoring a road. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has prioritized disaster management, deploying Self-Defense Force personnel to assist in rescue operations. The region is still recovering from a magnitude 7.5 earthquake that struck on New Year’s Day, causing significant damage.