Seven individuals are currently unaccounted for in the Noto region of central Japan, which is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating earthquake that struck on New Year's Day. Among those missing are four workers who were engaged in crucial reconstruction efforts aimed at restoring the community following the earlier disaster. The region has recently been hit by unprecedented rainfall, resulting in at least one confirmed fatality, widespread evacuation orders affecting tens of thousands of residents, and power outages that have left over 6,000 households in the dark.
On Saturday morning, Wajima recorded a staggering hourly rainfall of 121 mm (approximately 4.8 inches), while nearby Suzu experienced 84.5 mm within the same hour, both marking record highs for the area. This extreme weather has led to alarming scenes, with video footage capturing streets in Wajima transformed into raging rivers of brown floodwater, as vehicles struggled to stay afloat amid the deluge.
Eiichi Higashi, a resident of Wajima who sought shelter at a local evacuation center, voiced his concerns about the situation. He described the scene as heartbreaking, particularly for those who have already suffered tremendous losses due to the earlier earthquake. "It's tough to see people who live in temporary housing after losing their houses to the quake now coming to yet another shelter because of the rain," Higashi shared with public broadcaster NHK, highlighting the emotional toll that successive disasters have taken on the community.
In light of the escalating crisis, the Japanese government has dispatched military personnel to the affected region, working in conjunction with police and firefighters to carry out rescue operations. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi addressed the media, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and the significant worries faced by residents. "This is heavy rain in the region that suffered massive damage from the Noto Peninsula earthquake. There must be many very worried people," Hayashi stated, underscoring the anxiety that hangs over the local population as they navigate these dual challenges.
The earlier 7.6 magnitude earthquake had catastrophic consequences, claiming the lives of more than 300 individuals in Suzu, Wajima, and surrounding areas. The compounding effects of natural disasters have intensified the difficulties faced by local communities, many of whom are still trying to recover from the earlier devastation while now contending with the repercussions of severe weather. As rescue efforts progress, authorities remain steadfast in their commitment to locate the missing individuals, provide essential support to those displaced by the floods, and restore normalcy to a region in desperate need of healing and resilience.
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