Heavy rain, landslides and floods in Japan leave 1 person dead and several others missing
PBS NewsHourSep 22
Japan: Floods Kill at Least 6 in Ishikawa Region
Above: A father searches for his missing daughter after flooding along the Tsukada River on Sept. 23, 2024. Image copyright: Yuichi Yamazaki/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
After heavy rain caused flooding and landslides along the Ishikawa region on the Sea of Japan, which is still recovering from the severe earthquake in January, at least six people have died and 10 more are missing.
Suzu and Wajima on the northern shore of the Noto peninsula were among numerous cities under the highest alert for heavy rain from the Japan Meteorological Agency. The agency lowered the heavy rain alert level but maintained landslide and flooding warnings.
The Spin
Narrative A
For Japan, which can face many types of natural disasters, preparation is key. Japan is disaster-resilient and more equipped than most other nations. The nation's preparedness capabilities are world-renowned and its disaster management systems are well equipped to handle climate-catalyzed and other types of hazards alike.
Narrative B
Climate change has caused Japan to be hit with multiple record-breaking natural disasters this year. Climate change exacerbates tropical storms, which become more violent as sea temperatures rise, leading to significant damage and flooding, as is currently occurring in Japan's Ishikawa region. As highly accomplished as Japan's preparedness capabilities are, the impacts of climate change are likely to be overwhelming.