Locations Affected: Japan
Heavy rainfall between September 21 to 23 in Japan triggered flooding and landslides, resulting in the deaths of at least seven people. The flooding occurred in Ishikawa Prefecture, which has been undergoing repairs after the damage caused by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake in January. Wajima and Suzu cities recorded rainfall amounts that were twice the average expected for September.
Impact of climate change
Scientists have noted that climate change is intensifying heavy rainfall, as a warmer atmosphere holds more water.
Disruptions due to the heavy rainfall in Ishikawa
- The rainfall led to the overflow of 23 rivers and isolated more than 100 communities across Ishikawa. Eight temporary housing complexes were affected by flooding in Wajima and Suzu.
- The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued its highest alert level (black warning) for the prefecture on 21 September and downgraded it to a regular level (yellow warning) on 22 September, but advised residents to remain vigilant.
Source: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/backstories/587/
- Approximately 40,000 residents across four cities in Ishikawa, including Wajima, Suzu, and Noto, were evacuated on 21 and 22 September. An additional 16,000 people in Niigata and Yamagata prefectures, north of Ishikawa, were also urged to evacuate.
- Landslides have blocked several roads, complicating the rescue efforts.
- According to the Hokuriku Electric Power Company, 4,000 households were without power on 23 September. Water supply disruptions also occurred in many areas of Wajima and Suzu.
- Military personnel have been deployed to the Ishikawa region to aid rescue workers in evacuation and rescue operations. Search operations are ongoing for missing people in the Noto Peninsula.
Ongoing operations and recommendations
Heavy rainfall has subsided in the region, but landslides and waterlogging may persist until debris are cleared. Power and water supply disruptions may continue due to the damage to utility infrastructure. Operations are ongoing to manage road closures, but travel disruptions are expected to persist. Organizations are advised to remain updated with the weather warnings and orders issued through JMA’s official website: https://www.jma.go.jp/jma/indexe.html
