Sunday marks one year since torrential downpours hit the Noto region in Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan. The region also experienced a massive earthquake on New Year's Day in the same year. Survivors continue to struggle to recover from the double disasters.

The heavy rainfall, which was triggered by bands of rainclouds on September 21, 2024, caused rivers to overflow and mudslides. Prefectural officials say the disaster claimed 19 lives, including three people who died later from related causes. They also say about 1,900 houses were destroyed or partially damaged.

The rain came less than nine months after the quake hit the region, hitting the quake survivors with a double blow. Many businesses and residents are burdened by debt.

The prefecture says the estimated population in the hard-hit Oku-Noto region declined by more than 3,000, or about 6 percent, in the past year. It also says Suzu City's population fell below 10,000 for the first time in August.

Local governments are rebuilding their communities with support from the central and prefectural governments. But the graying population and labor shortages are hampering efforts.

Editorial Note: An earlier version of this story said the estimated population in the hard-hit Oku-Noto region declined by more than 3,000, or about 6 percentage points. We should have said 6 percent.

nhk