Tens of thousands of residents in central Japan have been ordered to evacuate their homes due to severe flooding warnings.

In Ishikawa Prefecture, on Honshu Island, approximately 18,000 people in Wajima and 12,000 in Suzu have been instructed to seek shelter. Additionally, 16,000 residents in the neighboring prefectures of Niigata and Yamagata have also been told to evacuate.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued a heavy rain emergency, the most severe alert level, for parts of the region. Government officials have reported that 12 rivers have breached their banks.

Public broadcaster NHK has aired footage showing entire streets in Wajima submerged under water. Three rivers in Ishikawa have overflowed into nearby communities, according to a local official. At least one house has been hit by a landslide, though further details are limited.

The region is still recovering from a devastating magnitude 7.5 earthquake that struck on New Year's Day, claiming the lives of over 160 people. The recent heavy rains have compounded the challenges faced by residents. (ILKHA)