Up to 30,000 residents across two cities in central Japan have been instructed to evacuate due to warnings of severe flooding triggered by torrential rain. In the city of Wajima, approximately 18,000 people have been urged to seek safety, while another 12,000 residents in Suzu have been advised to do the same. Both cities are located in Ishikawa Prefecture on Honshu Island.

A dramatic image shared by Kyodo News shows streets in Wajima submerged under floodwaters. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has declared a heavy rain emergency, issuing its highest level of alert for parts of the prefecture.

Government officials, cited by Japan’s public broadcaster NHK, confirmed that 12 rivers in the region have overflowed. This natural disaster adds to the region’s ongoing recovery efforts after a devastating 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck on New Year’s Day.

 Flooding Threat Forces Evacuation of Thousands
With significant damage expected, authorities are urging all affected residents to comply with evacuation orders and take immediate shelter in safe locations.

Recovery Efforts Following Recent Earthquake
The evacuation comes as a further blow to the region, which is still reeling from a powerful earthquake earlier in the year. Recovery has been slow, and this new threat poses additional challenges to residents and emergency services.