MENA Newswire News Desk: At least three people have gone missing after intense rainfall struck Japan’s quake-hit Noto region. The unprecedented downpour prompted the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to issue an emergency heavy rain warning for the area, which had previously been devastated by a 7.6 magnitude earthquake on New Year’s Day. The affected region, located in Ishikawa Prefecture, experienced rainfall rates exceeding 120 millimeters per hour in parts of Wajima on Saturday morning. The rain formed linear rainbands, a meteorological phenomenon associated with torrential downpours, making it the heaviest rainfall recorded in the region’s history.
Local authorities in Ishikawa confirmed that the three missing individuals were swept away by overflowing rivers in the municipalities of Suzu, Wajima, and Noto, where the emergency warning had been issued. Rescue operations are underway, but continued rainfall is hampering search efforts. The JMA has cautioned that atmospheric conditions across the broader northeastern region of Tohoku may become highly unstable, as warm, humid air flows into a low-pressure system. This situation has raised concerns about the possibility of additional severe weather in the coming days.
Authorities in Ishikawa Prefecture have urged residents to remain vigilant, avoid flood-prone areas, and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety as search operations continue. The situation remains fluid as more rainfall is expected in the affected areas. The Noto region has been particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events following the powerful earthquake earlier this year, which weakened infrastructure and disrupted daily life for thousands of residents.
The combination of quake damage and heavy rainfall has made recovery efforts even more challenging. Japan’s National Disaster Management Agency is coordinating with local emergency teams to mitigate the impact of the disaster, while the government is closely monitoring the situation for any signs of further escalation.
