To Stay or Leave? Residents Torn after Noto Earthquake and Torrential Rain

Nine months after the Noto earthquake on New Year's Day, which registered a maximum seismic intensity of seven, residents of the disaster-stricken area were slowly starting to rebuild their lives. 

But before they could fully recover, they were hit again — this time by record-breaking torrential rains. Now, nearly two weeks after the heavy downpour that devastated the Noto Peninsula on September 21, many are left wondering: "Should we stay or leave?" 

Repeated disasters have left the community in a state of emotional exhaustion and uncertainty.

Progress 'Wiped Out'

During the downpour in the coastal Najimi district of Wajima City, the Najimi River and nearby waterways overflowed. More than ten homes were swept away, and essential services were cut off once again. As of September 28, crews were still working to clear mud and massive piles of driftwood that had accumulated at the river's mouth.

"All the progress we made since the earthquake was wiped out in an instant," says 73-year-old Tadashi Omiya, Wajima City Council Deputy Chairman, his shoulders slumped in defeat.

The district had been temporarily cut off after the Noto earthquake, with all residents called to evacuate. Despite this, Omiya chose to stay. 

His home had no electricity or water, but as a city councilor, he felt responsible for keeping the mayor informed about the situation in the district. He also made regular visits to evacuation centers to update residents on the town's recovery efforts.

By May, temporary housing had been completed, and residents slowly began returning. Working together, they distributed relief supplies to those who came back and organized community events. With people returning, the sense of community started to grow again. But just as they were making real progress, the torrential rains hit.

'Breaking Point'

"I was born and raised here, and I love this place. Even after the earthquake, leaving was never an option," Omiya says. But after the recent downpour, some have decided it's time to leave.

A couple in their 70s shares, "We just can't do it anymore. We don't want to abandon this place, but we can't live here, so we're leaving." As they departed, they added, "We don't want to go, and we're sorry. Thank you for everything."

Even Omiya, who had been so committed to rebuilding his hometown, admits, "Honestly, part of me feels like I'm reaching my breaking point after being hit by disaster twice." Unable to convince the couple to stay, all he could say was, "Take care and stay strong."

Though he doubts whether true recovery is possible, he remains determined to stay in the town where he was born and raised. "For the sake of those who had no choice but to leave, I want to do whatever it takes to rebuild. To do that, we have no choice but to keep moving forward."

Losing a Hometown

Some residents are now reconsidering their future after enduring a second disaster. Makoto Shinya, a 48-year-old employee of a local organization, lost his home in the Noto earthquake and is now living in temporary housing in Machino, Wajima City. His house was completely destroyed in the quake. Initially, he evacuated to Kyoto with his mother and sister's family but returned alone after about a month.

"I wanted to see my hometown recover," he says. Despite having no electricity or running water, he stayed in a local evacuation center and eventually returned to work. But just six months after the earthquake, as he settled into temporary housing and prepared to help rebuild, the torrential rains struck.

"I came back because, even if it took time, I wanted to see the town recover. But now, I can't help but wonder, 'What if it happens a third time?'"

The rains caused the Machino River to overflow, sending muddy brown water rushing through the once-green countryside. Massive driftwood clogged roads, while landslides crushed several homes beneath fallen trees. Gazing at the devastation in his hometown, Shinya admits, "I'm torn, struggling inside, unsure whether to stay or leave."

RELATED:

• Noto Region Hit with Floods, Landslides and Heavy Rains
• Wajima Morning Market Reopens at New Location
• Is Japan Ready for Multiple Disasters Happening All at Once?
• Earthquake Preparedness Not Just for Nankai Trough Region

(Read the article in Japanese.)

Author: Rintaro Kishita, The Sankei Shimbun