Torrential Rain Triggers Level 5 Warnings and Widespread Flooding in Ishikawa and Toyama (Aug 27-28, 2026)

On the morning of Aug 27, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued Level 5 heavy-rain emergency warnings—the agency’s highest alert—for municipalities in Ishikawa and Toyama. The warnings covered Himi (Toyama) and Hakui, Shika, Hodatsushimizu and Nakanoto (Ishikawa), indicating that a disaster was already occurring or highly likely. Torrential rain produced linear precipitation bands that caused rivers to overflow, roads to flood, and landslides to strike multiple communities. By the afternoon the warnings were downgraded, but the agency cautioned that heavy rain could persist through Aug 28, keeping low-lying areas and riverbanks at risk.

Level 5 Heavy Rain Warnings Issued Temporarily for Toyama, Ishikawa The Straits TimesHeavy rain and flooding in north-central Japan strands people and vehicles

The JMA warning system had been activated earlier in the month for Chiba Prefecture, where heavy rain left 13 dead and stranded thousands of vehicles. That precedent underscored the seriousness of the Level 5 alerts issued for the Hokuriku region in late August.

Level 5 heavy rain warnings issued for areas in central Japan

• Japan Meteorological Agency: After issuing the Level 5 warnings, the agency downgraded them later on Aug 27 but warned that additional downpours could occur through the morning of Aug 28.

Level 5 Heavy Rain Warnings Issued Temporarily for Toyama, Ishikawa

• Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara: Stated that several rivers had overflowed, flooding many homes, but no injuries had been confirmed at the time of reporting.

Heavy rain and flooding in north-central Japan strands people and vehicles

• Local authorities: Municipal governments urged residents to evacuate or take immediate safety measures, emphasizing vigilance against landslides.

The Straits Times

• Hokuriku Electric Power Co.: Confirmed that more than 1,000 households experienced power outages due to the storm.

Heavy rain and flooding in north-central Japan strands people and vehicles

• In Himi City, rescue workers used rubber boats to evacuate residents stranded in knee-deep water, while stalled vehicles were abandoned on flooded streets.

Floods, Landslides Batter Ishikawa and Toyama

• A man in his 50s, a member of the local firefighting corps, was rescued from a vehicle trapped on a road in Hakui and walked away unharmed.

Floods, Landslides Batter Ishikawa and Toyama

• Residents described intense thunder and lightning that illuminated the surroundings, prompting some to hide under bedding while watching the storm.

Floods, Landslides Batter Ishikawa and Toyama

• In the Ao district of Himi, a hillside collapse destroyed a house; in Hodatsushimizu, landslide debris blocked Prefectural Route 300 and tangled power lines.

Floods, Landslides Batter Ishikawa and Toyama

• Number of evacuees: Sources differ on the scale of the evacuation advisory—over 380,000 people versus about 180,000 residents in five municipalities.

Level 5 Heavy Rain Warnings Issued Temporarily for Toyama, Ishikawa

• Injury reports: Officials reported no injuries, but on-the-ground accounts mention isolated incidents of trapped individuals, leaving the full casualty picture unclear.

Heavy rain and flooding in north-central Japan strands people and vehicles

• Duration of road closures: Exact timelines for when blocked routes will be cleared have not been provided.

Floods, Landslides Batter Ishikawa and Toyama

The JMA continues to forecast heavy rain through Aug 28, urging maximum caution against further river flooding and landslides. Residents are advised to remain alert, follow local evacuation orders, and prepare for possible additional disruptions as the storm system moves eastward along the Sea of Japan coast.

The Straits Times