This is the heaviest rain we have ever experienced

Sept. 21 (UPI) — In Japan, disaster struck as record rainfall led to extensive flooding, resulting in at least one confirmed death and six individuals reported missing. Officials issued stark warnings on Saturday as conditions worsened across the affected regions.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) described the relentless rainfall as unprecedented, issuing its highest alert for parts of the Ishikawa Prefecture on Honshu Island, where flooding has triggered landslides and caused rivers to surge over their banks.

In the city of Wajima, rainfall measurements peaked at over 4.7 inches within just one hour on Saturday morning. Tragically, one individual lost their life when their home was overwhelmed by a landslide, and two more were reported missing after being buried beneath the mud.

Within the hazardous conditions, officials also reported losing contact with four workers who were conducting repairs within an underground tunnel in Wajima, an area that has received a staggering 13.8 inches of rain over the past 24 hours, marking the highest precipitation recorded there since 1976.

The JMA emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “In particular, in areas where flooding is expected, it is highly likely that some kind of disaster has already occurred, corresponding to alert level 5.” This level indicates imminent danger to life, prompting an urgent need for individuals to secure their safety.

Residents were urged to take immediate action, especially if evacuation to a designated site poses danger. The agency recommended seeking shelter in robust buildings away from cliffs or rivers, or finding higher ground less prone to flooding.

“Even in areas where disasters are not commonly anticipated, maximum vigilance is required,” the agency cautioned, underscoring the need for preparedness amid these extreme weather patterns.

Ishikawa Prefecture is still grappling with the aftermath of a devastating 7.6 magnitude earthquake that occurred on New Year’s Day, resulting in fatalities and displacing hundreds. The unfortunate tunnel workers in Wajima were engaged in repair work due to damage inflicted by that earlier seismic event.

In response to the growing crisis, the Japan Ministry of Defense has stepped in, deploying military personnel to assist local authorities in managing the situation. With many areas still recovering from the earthquake, the dangers posed by the flooding have become increasingly acute.

The JMA further warned, “There is a possibility that more municipalities will issue special warnings for heavy rain in the near future. It will be too late to evacuate after such warnings are announced.”

Officials stressed the importance of immediate action to protect lives, urging residents to heed local evacuation advisories promptly without waiting for further alerts.

The threat of severe weather continues to loom, as communities brace themselves for the impacts of these extreme conditions. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are anticipated as authorities monitor the situation closely.

Source: UPI