3 Missing in Heavy Rains in Japan

At least three people are missing in Japan after unprecedented heavy rains hit the Noto region in Ishikawa Prefecture on Saturday.

This area was already severely affected earlier this year by a 7.6 magnitude earthquake, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to issue an emergency warning for torrential downpours.

According to Kyodo News, Wajima Noto in central Japan recorded over 120 millimeters of rainfall in just one hour.

Local authorities reported that three people went missing after being swept away by rivers in the municipalities of Suzu, Wajima, and Noto—areas under the emergency alert.

Floodwaters inundated numerous homes, leaving thousands without power across the region. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism confirmed that more than 10 rivers had overflowed in Ishikawa Prefecture.

Due to damage sustained by some dams in the January earthquake, the JMA urged early evacuations, warning that floods could occur even with lower water levels.

The agency also cautioned that the weather conditions in northeastern Tohoku could become highly unstable due to warm, humid air flowing into the low-pressure system.

Residents were advised to remain vigilant against landslides, floods in low-lying areas, and overflowing rivers across Tohoku and Hokuriku regions, including Noto, through Sunday.

JR East, which operates high-speed trains in eastern, northeastern, and central Japan, suspended some Yamagata Shinkansen train services in Tohoku from Saturday morning until further notice. Highways and roads in various locations have also been closed due to the heavy rain.

The Japan Meteorological Agency predicted up to 150 millimeters of rain in Tohoku and Hokuriku over the next 24 hours, warning residents to stay prepared as the rain continues into Sunday.