Japan issues highest alert as record rain batters central Hokuriku

Central Japan's Hokuriku region is grappling with severe flooding and landslides after relentless rainfall triggered the country's highest weather alert on Wednesday.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued its top-level warning for the area, describing the downpour as "unprecedented" and urging residents to move to higher ground immediately.

Himi City in Toyama prefecture recorded over 350 mm (14 inches) of rain in just 24 hours, while Hakui in Ishikawa prefecture saw around 340 mm (13 inches), according to JMA data.

The extreme weather caused the Kamisho River to overflow in Himi, and vehicles were seen struggling through flooded roads in nearby Nakanoto. Mud-covered streets and debris marked the aftermath of landslides in the region.

Meteorologists attribute the intense rainfall to warm, moist air flowing toward a weather front, colliding with cold air in the upper atmosphere. This combination produced bands of highly developed rain clouds over the Hokuriku region.

Authorities continue to monitor river levels and landslide risks as the weather system persists.