Heavy Rains Cause Death and Disappearances in Noto Region, Ishikawa Prefecture
Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan – Heavy rains caused by a frontal system and lowpressure have resulted in one death and three missing persons in the Noto region of Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. The region, already reeling from the recent Noto Peninsula earthquake,was battered by record-breaking rainfall on September 21st, causing widespread flooding and landslides.
The city of Suzu reported one fatality due to alandslide that collapsed a residential building. Three individuals remain unaccounted for in Suzu, Wajima, and Noto, according to local fire department officials.
Further compounding the situation, a landslide occurred at the site of a tunnel repair project,which was underway to address damage caused by the earthquake. Four construction workers are missing after the landslide, and there are reports of approximately 20 individuals trapped within the tunnel. Local fire and rescue teams are actively searching for the missing workers.
Theheavy rains have also caused significant disruptions to transportation and infrastructure. Thirty-seven locations on national and prefectural roads in the northern part of the peninsula have become impassable due to landslides and flooding. Several villages in Wajima, Suzu, and Noto are isolated, cut off from the outside world.
Theflooding has also impacted temporary housing facilities for residents displaced by the earthquake. Eight temporary housing units in Wajima and Suzu have been flooded, adding to the hardship of those already affected by the earthquake.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported record-breaking rainfall in the region, with Suzu receiving 121.0 mm of rain per hour and Wajima recording 84.5 mm per hour on the morning of September 21st. The JMA issued a special heavy rain warning for Wajima, Suzu, and Noto.
The recent heavy rains are a stark reminder of the vulnerability of the Noto region tonatural disasters. The region is still recovering from the Noto Peninsula earthquake, which struck on June 1st, causing significant damage and displacing thousands of residents.
The ongoing search and rescue efforts are focused on finding the missing individuals and ensuring the safety of those affected by the heavy rains. The government and local authorities areworking to restore transportation and infrastructure, provide assistance to affected residents, and ensure the safety of those living in temporary housing.
Views: 0