Seven Dead as Japan Faces Deadly Landslides and Flooding

Seven people have died and several others are missing following heavy rainfall that caused landslides and flooding in Ishikawa prefecture, according to reports from public broadcaster NHK.
The intense conditions have led to overflowing rivers, engulfing homes and sweeping away buildings. Rescue workers are actively searching for the missing across various towns and cities in the region.
Authorities issued the highest alert level for heavy rain over the weekend. In Suzu, officials reported one fatality and another person missing after being swept away by floodwaters.
In Wajima, two people were killed in a landslide at a construction site near the Nakaya tunnel, while another 10 were rescued, according to NHK. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported that one person is missing due to floods in a different area of the city.
In Noto, one individual is missing and two others sustained serious injuries from a landslide. Over the weekend, at least 16 rivers in Ishikawa breached their banks, causing extensive flooding.
Authorities reported that around 1,350 residents sought shelter in community centers, school gymnasiums, and other facilities. In the past three days, the region has experienced about 20 inches (50.8 cm) of rainfall.
This severe weather comes as the area is still recovering from a devastating earthquake on January 1, which resulted in over 200 fatalities.