Residents of central Japan still recovering from one disaster have suffered another.
More than 50 communities in Ishikawa Prefecture have become isolated following record rains that caused flooding and landslides. Seven people have been killed.
According to the prefecture, 56 communities have been cut off due to road closures as a result of the landslides.
It has become difficult to get food and supplies to the residents. The prefecture is working to reopen the roads. It has also been sending helicopters to deliver relief supplies and take sick residents to hospitals.
A heavy rain emergency warning for Ishikawa issued on Saturday was later downgraded. But there have been reports of damage across the region.
Rescue teams are searching for missing people.
Ten people were found near a tunnel in Wajima following a landslide on Saturday. Two were confirmed dead. The area is still recovering from the massive New Year’s Day earthquake. Reconstruction work was being carried out near the tunnel to repair damage caused by the quake.
Many rivers have overflowed their banks, causing flooding in the ground floor of some houses.
Local officials in Wajima say four homes located along a river have been swept away.
One father is hoping his missing daughter will soon be found. She was home alone when the disaster struck.
He said: “My only wish is for her to be found, even if she is not alive. I want to hug her.”
Some temporary housing for survivors of the January quake has been flooded.
Ishikawa Prefecture officials say that as of 3 p.m. on Monday, a total of 5,060 households were without running water due to power outages and damaged water pipes. More than 20 water trucks are operating in the area.
One woman said she is using water for drinking and washing and trying to save as much as possible to be careful not to waste it.
The prefecture is recruiting volunteers to help clean up flooded temporary housing. Starting Tuesday, they will work on clearing mudslides and debris in Wajima.
People are being advised to pay attention to the latest weather and evacuation information issued by local governments.