Heavy Rain in Japan Causes Floods and Landslides

Severe flooding and landslides have struck Japan's Noto Peninsula, leading to at least six confirmed deaths and several others missing as the region grapples with the aftermath of a deadly earthquake earlier this year. Over 540 millimeters (21 inches) of rain fell in Wajima over a 72-hour period, causing rivers to overflow and blocking roads, which has left around 110,000 residents urged to evacuate. The Japan Meteorological Agency has downgraded its rain alerts but continues to warn about potential mudslides and flooding. Emergency shelters for earthquake victims have been inundated, and 4,000 households are without power. Local officials reported that at least eight individuals are unaccounted for, including some working on quake-related construction projects. This catastrophic weather event adds to the ongoing recovery challenges faced by communities still reeling from the January 1 earthquake that claimed over 374 lives.