Jessica Heygate
Updated on: October 13, 2024 3:07 am GMT
One person has died, and seven others are missing after record-breaking rain triggered severe flooding in Ishikawa, Japan, a region still recovering from a devastating earthquake earlier this year. Authorities have ordered a mass evacuation for tens of thousands as the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issues its highest ”life-threatening” alert level amidst fears of more landslides and rising waters.
Emergency Evacuations Ordered
Over 44,700 residents across the cities of Wajima and Suzu, as well as Noto town, are fleeing their homes. The Ishikawa government says heavy rain has caused at least a dozen rivers in the area to overflow, leading to chaos and confusion. The forecast suggests that the downpour, which has already brought over 120mm (approximately 4.7 inches) in just a few hours, will continue until midday Sunday.
“Residents must secure their safety immediately,” warned JMA forecaster Satoshi Sugimoto. “This level of rain has never been experienced in this region before.”
The situation is dire; communication services have been disrupted, and approximately 6,000 households are without power. Rivers have swelled, inundating streets, while landslides have blocked crucial emergency routes.
Casualties and Ongoing Rescue Efforts
One confirmed death and several injuries have been reported. The fatalities include rescue workers who were on-site responding to damage from a major earthquake that struck the region on New Year’s Day. Government reports indicate that some of the missing were swept away by strong river currents, while others were trapped after landslides struck as they worked on road repairs.
Koji Yamamoto, an official with the Land Ministry, stated, “About 60 people have been working to restore a road hit by the quake, but a landslide occurred on the morning of September 21.” Efforts to locate the trapped workers have been hampered by ongoing landslides blocking access for emergency teams.
Region Still Recovering from Earthquake
The Ishikawa region is in a precarious situation, having been severely impacted by a 7.5-magnitude earthquake on January 1, 2024, which resulted in at least 236 fatalities. The infrastructure has not yet fully recovered, making the current flooding and landslides even more devastating.
The ongoing weather crisis has forced governmental bodies to deploy Japan’s Self-Defence Forces (SDF) to join rescue operations. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized the importance of prioritizing lives amidst the disaster, urging local leaders to expedite rescue initiatives.
Impact of Climate Change
Japan has faced increasingly severe weather events in recent years, with experts attributing many of these incidents to climate change. Scientists assert that a warming climate is responsible for intensified rainfall, which leads to the kind of catastrophic flooding seen in Ishikawa.
Humanity’s impact on the environment has made the frequent heavy rains and subsequent disasters a growing concern across the nation. With each passing year, these weather patterns threaten to escalate, placing immense stress on populations and local governments alike.
Caption: Streets in Wajima are submerged due to unprecedented rain, prompting mass evacuations.
Looking Ahead
As the rain continues to pour, the JMA urges residents to take the threat seriously and follow evacuation orders. Shelters have been set up to accommodate evacuees, offering temporary refuge for those affected. The government continues to monitor the situation closely, with emergency services on high alert.
“Life cannot be replaced, and we must ensure the safety of every individual,” a high-ranking official stated during a briefing. “Disaster management is our utmost priority right now.”
Despite the tragic circumstances, community and government efforts are in full swing to provide support to those displaced by the floods. As recovery efforts commence, the hope remains that those missing will be found soon, and that the struggling residents of Ishikawa can return to their homes in safety.
The road ahead will be tough, but if we stay alert and work together, our community can start to heal from this disaster that has hit us once again.
