Heavy rain caused extensive flooding in central Japan over the weekend, with at least one person reported dead and several more unaccounted for. Officials said “unprecedented” rainfall generated floods and landslides in Ishikawa prefecture, where a powerful 7.5-magnitude earthquake on New Year’s Day killed more than 200 people. The Japan meteorological agency issued its highest-level warning for Ishikawa, advising of a “life-threatening situation”.
Authorities ordered tens of thousands of people to evacuate as more than a dozen rivers overflowed by late morning on Saturday, and a number of people were rescued from flood water in the cities of Wajima and Suzu. On Saturday morning 121mm (4.8in) of rain was recorded in one hour in Wajima, and 84.5mm in Suzu. This was the heaviest rain observed in these locations since comparative data became available in 1929. Niigata and Yamagata prefectures were also affected with 16,000 people told to evacuate.
The cities of Wajima and Suzu, which are still recovering from a deadly earthquake that devastated the area on 1 January, are among the hardest hit by the deluge, which began on Saturday and continued until noon local time (03:00 GMT) on Monday. On Sunday, both cities saw twice the amount of rainfall they typically receive in September in an average year, local media reported.
Dozens of rivers burst their banks, cutting off roads and isolating more than 100 communities across the prefecture, the reports added. Two of the people who died were found near a landslide-hit tunnel in Wajima. One of them was a construction worker carrying out road repairs. Two elderly men and an elderly woman were among the other fatalities, the Japan Times said citing local authorities.
The floodwaters inundated temporary housing built for people who had lost their homes in the New Year's Day earthquake. Footage aired by NHK showed an entire street in Wajima submerged under water. The region is still recovering from the powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake in January which killed at least 236 people, toppled buildings and sparked a major fire. Some 4,000 households were left without power on Monday, according to the Hokuriku Electric Power Company. More than 40,000 residents across four cities in Ishikawa - including Wajima, Suzu and the town of Noto - have been evacuated over the weekend. Another 16,000 residents in the Niigata and Yamagata prefectures north of Ishikawa were also told to evacuate, the AFP news agency said.
The Devastating Impact of the Floods
The impact of the flooding on the Noto Peninsula is significant, adding another layer of hardship to the region still reeling from the January earthquake. Many areas, including those where temporary shelters for earthquake victims were located, were flooded, displacing people once again.
The human toll
The floodwaters have claimed at least six lives in Ishikawa Prefecture, with the seventh fatality confirmed on Monday. Ten people remain unaccounted for. Many of the deceased were found near landslide-affected areas, highlighting the severity of the flooding and the threat it poses to residents. The search for survivors continues, with rescue teams facing challenging terrain and blocked roads due to landslides and flooding.
The Recovery Effort
The Japanese government has been working to assist those affected by the flooding, with officials distributing necessities and deploying resources to aid in the rescue and recovery efforts. However, the challenges remain considerable, with the region facing the arduous task of rebuilding once again.
Resilience in the face of adversity
In the face of adversity, the resilience of the people of the Noto Peninsula shines through. Shoichi Miyakoshi, a resident whose home was damaged by the earthquake and subsequently flooded, expressed his determination to rebuild his life for a third time, saying, “I have to start over, through another cold winter”. This determination is a testament to the spirit of the Japanese people and their ability to persevere even in the face of overwhelming challenges.
A Climate Change Connection
Scientists warn that human-driven climate change is intensifying the risk of heavy rains in Japan and globally. A warmer atmosphere holds more water, contributing to more intense precipitation events. The recent floods in Noto are a stark reminder of the escalating threat posed by climate change and the urgent need for action to mitigate its impacts. The impact of climate change is not just limited to the Noto Peninsula; it is a global concern that requires collective effort to address.
Looking Ahead
The Noto Peninsula, already burdened by the aftermath of the earthquake, faces a long road to recovery. The immediate focus remains on rescue and relief efforts, providing aid and support to those affected by the flooding. Long-term recovery will necessitate rebuilding infrastructure, addressing the impact on the environment and fostering resilience against future disasters.
This is a story of resilience and survival. The people of Noto have faced immense challenges, and their spirit of perseverance amidst hardship is truly inspiring. It is crucial to acknowledge the impact of this disaster and offer support to the affected communities as they rebuild their lives and communities. Let’s hope this disaster serves as a wake-up call for everyone to take concrete steps towards building a more resilient and sustainable future.
