50,000 people evacuated in Japan due to flood threat

In Japan, where heavy rain has led to flooding, authorities have called on approximately 50,000 people in four cities to leave their homes.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has declared its 'highest level of emergency' for heavy rain in some regions.

It was stated that 12 rivers have overflowed due to the rainfall in the country. Images showing entire streets submerged in water have appeared in the media.

Three people are missing after heavy rainfall in Japan's Ishikawa Prefecture triggered floods and landslides. Search efforts are ongoing.

According to a BBC report, forecasts that expected floods in four cities in the center of the country would seriously impact human life prompted decision-makers to take precautions.

It was decided to evacuate approximately 18,000 people in the city of Wajima and 12,000 in Suzu on the Noto Peninsula, where meteorologists expect major flooding.

Additionally, an evacuation order was issued for 16,000 people living in the Niigata and Yamagata prefectures in the north of Ishikawa Prefecture.

BUILDINGS VULNERABLE AFTER EARTHQUAKE DISASTER

Following the 7.6 magnitude earthquake on January 1, Japan's Ishikawa Prefecture has now been hit by heavy rainfall. The heavy rain, which has been effective since the morning hours, brought floods and landslides in many regions.

While flooding occurred in 11 rivers across the prefecture, it was reported that 2 people in the city of Wajima and 1 person in the town of Noto went missing in the floods. It was announced that there were power outages in 5,260 households, including 3,100 in Wajima, 1,200 in Suzu, and 960 in the town of Noto. Record levels of rainfall were recorded in Wajima and neighboring Suzu.

Ishikawa Governor Hiroshi Hase stated that many structures in the region remain vulnerable to hazards following the 7.6 magnitude earthquake on January 1, and called on the public to be prepared for disaster risks.

News Source: AA