Japanese authorities ordered the evacuation of tens of thousands of people from the Ishikawa region on Saturday, amid heavy rains that raised river levels and amid fears of flooding.
Three rivers in the area overflowed in the surrounding area, a local official told AFP, detailing that authorities were assessing damage to buildings and infrastructure.
Japan’s meteorological agency said it issued its highest-level warning for Ishikawa, anticipating a “life-threatening situation.”
The cities of Wajima and Suzu ordered the evacuation of about 30,000 people, local officials said.
Public broadcaster NHK broadcast footage showing entire streets in Wajima submerged in water.
These cities are in the areas worst hit by a 7.5-magnitude New Year’s earthquake that killed at least 236 people in the center of the country.
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