(Image source from: AP)

Tens of thousands of people were ordered to evacuate in four cities in central Japan as weather experts warned of the risk of severe flooding from heavy rain. About 18,000 people in the city of Wajima and 12,000 in the city of Suzu were ordered to evacuate to Ishikawa Prefecture in Honshu. According to AFP, 16,000 residents of Niigata and Yamagata prefectures in northern Ishikawa Prefecture were also ordered to evacuate. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued special heavy rain warnings, which are the highest warning level for some areas. Japanese public broadcaster NHK said government officials said 12 rivers had burst their banks. NHK also broadcast footage of streets in Wajima that were under water. Three rivers in Ishikawa Prefecture overflowed their banks in surrounding villages, local officials told AFP. The Fire and Disaster Management Agency said at least one house collapsed in the landslide, but did not provide details.

The towns of Wajima and Suzu on the Noto Peninsula in central Japan were among the hardest hit by the New Year's Day earthquake, which killed at least 236 people. The area is still recovering from the deadly 7.5 magnitude earthquake on New Year's Day. More than 161 people died after the powerful earthquake collapsed buildings, destroyed roads and sparked massive fires. In recent years, some areas of Japan have experienced unprecedented heavy rains, causing floods and landslides and sometimes claiming lives. About 6,600 homes in the area were without power Saturday afternoon and some residents lost communications, according to transportation companies. The towns of Wajima and Suzu on the Noto Peninsula in central Japan were among the hardest hit by the New Year's Day earthquake, which killed at least 236 people. In recent years, parts of Japan have experienced unprecedented heavy rainfall, sometimes causing floods and landslides and causing fatalities. Scientists say human-caused climate change will increase the risk of heavy rainfall in the country and elsewhere around the world as the atmosphere warms and retains more moisture. The city of Wajima recorded more than 120 mm of rain per hour in the morning, the heaviest since comparative data was published in 1929.