Japan’s Meteorological Agency has changed its heavy rain emergency warning for parts of Ishikawa Prefecture to a warning. But it is still urging people to stay alert for possible floods and landslides.
Over 540 millimeters of rain were seen in Wajima in the 72 hours through 9 a.m. Sunday. More than 400 millimeters were observed in Suzu.
One person has died and six people are missing in Ishikawa Prefecture.
Meanwhile, police officers and fire department officials in Wajima say four houses located along rivers have been swept away. They also say four other residents are currently unaccounted for.
The Defense Ministry has dispatched Self-Defense Force personnel to Wajima, Suzu and Noto, following a request from Ishikawa Prefecture.
Torrential rain is expected to continue across Japan due to a low pressure system.
East Japan Railway will suspend services on the Yamagata Shinkansen bullet train line for all of Sunday in both directions between Yamagata Station and Shinjo Station. The operator urges people to stay updated with the latest information on its website.
Ohno Hiroyuki, president of the erosion control group Japan SABO Association, is an expert on landslides. He says the topography of the Noto region is very steep, making it easier for landslides to occur. “A strong earthquake struck the region on New Year’s Day, which loosened the ground and made collapses more likely, even after a little rain,” he said.