Hakui and Sakai residents struggle with flood recovery

Ten days after record-breaking heavy rainfall hit Hakui City in Ishikawa Prefecture, residents and volunteers continue cleanup efforts. In the areas surrounding Ochigata, levees on the Kanemaru and Iiyama Rivers breached, leaving some locations still flooded. In Tachiakira, residents have been working to remove mud from homes that experienced floor-level flooding.

In Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture, one week after the storms, the impact remains severe for residents in Maruoka Town. Many homes suffered floor-level inundation, leading to persistent odors and the need for extensive drying and floorboard replacement. Some residents face long delays for repairs, with contractors estimating work may not begin until winter.

Vehicle damage has also been widespread, with some owners struggling to dry out cars or facing month-long waits for professional inspections. The loss of transportation has made daily tasks, such as grocery shopping, difficult for elderly residents. Additionally, some households are unable to use their boilers, forcing them to rely on public hot spring facilities.