Heavy rain and flooding in north-central Japan strands people and vehicles

Japan's north-central prefectures of Ishikawa and Toyama experienced torrential rain on Thursday, causing severe flooding and landslides. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a Level 5 heavy rain warning, urging residents to take precautionary measures against flooding and landslides. The rain subsided later that day, but the agency warned of more rain and potential landslides through Friday morning.

Over 380,000 people were advised to take shelter in safer locations. Several stranded residents in the city of Himi, Toyama prefecture, were rescued by relief workers using a rubber boat. In Ishikawa prefecture, 270 homes in three municipalities were isolated due to flooding, though no injuries were reported. Several rivers overflowed, flooding homes and causing power outages for over 1,000 homes in Toyama and Ishikawa.