Record Rains in Japan’s Quake-Stricken Noto Region Result in Fatalities

Record Rainfall Causes Devastation in Japan’s Noto Region

TOKYO – Torrential rains in central Japan’s Noto region, which is still recovering from a significant earthquake on New Year’s Day, have resulted in the death of at least one person. The extreme weather prompted evacuation orders affecting tens of thousands and led to power outages impacting more than 6,000 homes.

Reports indicate that seven individuals, including four involved in earthquake recovery efforts, are currently missing. Rescue calls have inundated local fire departments, as reported by public broadcaster NHK.

On Saturday morning, the area recorded a staggering 121 mm (4.8 inches) of rainfall in just one hour in Wajima, while nearby Suzu experienced 84.5 mm within the same timeframe, both marking new high records.

Footage from television broadcasts illustrated how floodwaters transformed streets into rivers in Wajima, submerging vehicles in the process.

Eiichi Higashi, a resident of Wajima seeking refuge at a local evacuation center, expressed his concern over the ongoing crisis. “It’s tough to see people who live in temporary housing after losing their homes to the quake now being forced into yet another shelter because of the rain,” he remarked.

In response to the situation, military personnel have been deployed alongside police and firefighters to assist with rescue operations, as stated by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi during a press briefing.

“This is heavy rain in a region that has already experienced severe damage from the Noto peninsula earthquake. There must be many people who are very worried,” Hayashi commented.

The previous earthquake, which measured 7.6 in magnitude, resulted in over 300 fatalities in Suzu, Wajima, and the surrounding areas.