Record Rains in Japan’s Quake-Stricken Noto Region Claim At Least One Life

Record Rains Cause Devastation in Central Japan’s Noto Region

TOKYO – Central Japan’s Noto region, which has been recovering from a significant earthquake earlier this year, faced record rainfall on Saturday that resulted in at least one fatality. The severe weather prompted evacuation orders for tens of thousands of residents and led to power outages affecting over 6,000 homes.

Reports indicate that seven individuals are unaccounted for, including four involved in reconstruction efforts since the earthquake. Fire departments have been inundated with rescue requests, as reported by public broadcaster NHK.

In Wajima, hourly rainfall reached an unprecedented 121 mm (4.8 inches), while neighboring Suzu recorded 84.5 mm, marking both as new records. Footage from the area vividly depicted streets transformed into raging rivers, with vehicles partially submerged in floodwaters.

Eiichi Higashi, a Wajima resident seeking refuge at an evacuation center, shared his distress about the situation. "It’s disheartening to see those who lost their homes to the quake now arriving at another shelter due to the rain," he stated.

In response to the crisis, military personnel have been deployed to assist in rescue operations alongside police and firefighters, according to Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi.

"This area has already suffered tremendous damage from the recent earthquake, and this heavy rain adds to the anxiety experienced by many residents," Hayashi remarked.

The 7.6 magnitude earthquake previously claimed over 300 lives in the regions of Suzu, Wajima, and surrounding areas.