Japanese authorities have urged tens of thousands of residents to evacuate the Ishikawa region on Saturday due to severe flooding and landslides caused by what has been described as “unprecedented” rainfall.

As of 11:00 AM local time, numerous rivers in the area had overflowed their banks, prompting local officials to issue evacuation orders for approximately 44,700 people in the cities of Wajima and Suzu, as well as in Noto town.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued its highest-level warning for Ishikawa, highlighting a “life-threatening situation.” JMA forecaster Satoshi Sugimoto stressed the urgency for residents to prioritize their safety immediately.

Reports indicate that at least one person is missing in Wajima, where many buildings have been inundated and landslides have obstructed roads.

Footage from local broadcaster NHK showed entire streets in Wajima submerged, and three rivers were reported to be overflowing into surrounding communities.

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Evacuation orders were extended to 16,000 residents in the nearby Niigata and Yamagata prefectures.

This region, which recently endured a devastating 7.5 magnitude earthquake on New Year’s Day that claimed at least 236 lives, is still recovering from that disaster. Experts note that climate change is exacerbating the frequency and severity of such extreme weather events in Japan.