How is Japan Coping with the Heavy Rain Affecting Quake-hit Hokuriku?
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Synopsis
As torrential rain sweeps through Japan's Hokuriku region, the JMA has issued urgent alerts for landslides and flooding. With communities still recovering from recent earthquakes, this unprecedented downpour raises concerns over public safety and infrastructure. Discover the latest updates on the situation and how residents are responding.
Key Takeaways
- Heavy rainfall affects Hokuriku region.
- Evacuation centers established in Kanazawa.
- Record rainfall of 148 mm reported in three hours.
- Authorities warn of potential landslides and flooding.
- Public urged to stay vigilant and prepared.
Tokyo, Aug 7 (NationPress) Heavy rainfall continues to batter Japan’s Hokuriku region along the Sea of Japan coast, leading the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to issue alerts for potential landslides, flooding in vulnerable areas, and rising river levels. This situation is particularly alarming for regions that are still in recovery from a devastating earthquake that struck earlier this year, as reported by local media.
Services on the Hokuriku Shinkansen Line faced suspension for over five hours between Nagano and Kanazawa stations, confirmed by West Japan Railway Co. (JR West), following intense rainfall that began impacting parts of Ishikawa Prefecture on Wednesday.
The capital city of Ishikawa, Kanazawa, recorded a staggering 148 millimeters of rain within a three-hour timeframe ending around 5 am on Thursday, according to the JMA. This deluge resulted in flooding around the foundations of numerous homes, with roads submerged in at least 19 sites. Local authorities have reported partial closures of several prefectural roads and the establishment of evacuation centers in Kanazawa.
The JMA observed that a band of rain clouds had formed over Kaga, a central area that suffered greatly from the Noto Peninsula earthquake on New Year’s Day 2024, which resulted in over 600 fatalities. Authorities remain vigilant for further damage in these quake-affected regions, as reported by Kyodo news agency.
The agency attributes the unstable weather conditions to a low-pressure system moving northeast over the Sea of Japan. This weather front is expected to shift southward through Friday and persist over areas from eastern to western Japan into Saturday.
The JMA has cautioned that some areas may experience additional heavy rainfall and thunderstorms through Friday, as warm, moist air continues to feed into the low-pressure system. Conditions are forecasted to stay highly unstable across a broad region from northern to western Japan.
Rainfall predictions for the 24 hours leading up to 6 am Friday include up to 150 millimeters in the Tohoku region and northern parts of Kyushu. Hokuriku, already facing severe conditions, is expected to receive around 120 millimeters.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant for evacuation orders and to take necessary precautions against potential landslides, flash floods, and disruptions to infrastructure in the days ahead.
Point of View
I emphasize the need for public awareness and preparedness in the face of natural disasters. The ongoing situation in Japan showcases the resilience of communities, yet it also highlights the importance of timely updates and effective communication from authorities. Our focus remains on keeping the public informed and safe.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What regions are affected by the recent heavy rainfall in Japan?
The heavy rainfall is primarily impacting the Hokuriku region along the Sea of Japan, with significant effects reported in Ishikawa Prefecture.
What precautions are being advised for residents?
Residents are urged to remain vigilant for evacuation orders and take precautions against potential landslides and flooding.
How much rain has been recorded in Kanazawa?
Kanazawa recorded an unprecedented 148 millimeters of rain in just three hours, leading to widespread flooding.
What is causing the unstable weather conditions?
A low-pressure system moving northeast over the Sea of Japan is causing the current unstable atmospheric conditions.
When is the heavy rain expected to continue?
Heavy rain is forecast to persist through Friday, with conditions remaining unstable across northern to western Japan into Saturday.
