Record Rainfall Causes Flooding in Central Japan

Japan's Ishikawa prefecture faces catastrophic flooding and landslides following record rainfall, described as the heaviest the region has ever experienced. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its highest emergency warning, prompting tens of thousands to evacuate as at least six deaths have been reported and several others remain missing. The intense storms have caused 16 rivers to breach their banks, leading to widespread destruction, particularly in areas still recovering from a deadly 7.5 magnitude earthquake on New Year’s Day. Over 6,200 households are without power, and communication services have also been disrupted. Eyewitness accounts highlight the distress of residents forced to seek shelter again after losing homes in the earlier quake. Authorities are conducting rescue operations as the situation remains precarious with ongoing threats of further landslides.