Torrential rain struck Japan’s north-central prefectures of Ishikawa and Toyama on Thursday, causing widespread flooding and landslides, closing roads and stranding people in their homes and vehicles. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a Level 5 heavy rain warning for parts of the affected areas, urging residents to take precautionary measures.
The agency predicted up to 20 centimeters (7.8 inches) of rain in the Kaga and Noto regions through Friday morning. More than 380,000 people in the two prefectures were advised to seek shelter in safer locations.
Footage shared by NHK public television showed relief workers rescuing stranded residents in Himi city, Toyama Prefecture, using rubber boats as they waded through knee-high water. Abandoned vehicles were visible on flooded roads.
In Ishikawa Prefecture, west of Toyama, 270 homes in three municipalities reported flooding. Officials stated there were no injuries, but heavy rain also triggered landslides and road closures in the prefecture. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara confirmed that several rivers overflowed, flooding numerous homes.
The severe weather also led to power outages affecting over 1,000 homes in Toyama and Ishikawa, according to the Hokuriku Electric Power Co. This follows earlier heavy rain and flooding in Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo, which resulted in 13 fatalities earlier this month.