The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its highest-Level 5 Emergency Warning for heavy rain in Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures on August 27. 

Officials warned that flooding could spread further and urged residents not to attempt to travel by car or other means, but to take immediate action to protect their lives.

Hosomi Takuya, Japan Meteorological Agency / It is extremely likely that some form of disaster has already occurred. The situation is equivalent to the Level 5 Emergency Warning. There is an imminent danger to life. You must take immediate action to ensure your safety.

Around 100 millimeters of rain fell in the hour leading up to 5:20AM near Hakui City, and roughly 100 millimeters fell in the hour leading up to 5:30AM near Shika Town.

The JMA issued its highest-level heavy rain warning for Hakui City, Shika Town,  Hodatsushimizu Town, and Nakanoto Town in Ishikawa Prefecture, as well as Himi City in Toyama Prefecture.

Weather officials urged people to remain on high alert for landslides, river flooding, and flooding in low-lying areas.

The agency has also issued a series of Record-Breaking Short-Term Heavy Rain Alerts, warning that the region is experiencing rainfall seen only once every several years and it could cause disasters.

The agency warned that flooded areas could continue to expand and advised people not to attempt to travel by car or other means.

Dangerous heavy rain is expected to continue across the Hokuriku region through August 28.

The Japan Meteorological Agency says it may issue the highest Level 5 Emergency Warning for heavy rain for other municipalities as well.

It is urging residents to evacuate while it is still light outside.