Residents in Japan’s Noto Peninsula, Hit by Heavy Rain 1 Month Ago, Pray for Victims; Wajima Holds Moment of Silence Across City

The Yomiuri Shimbun

20:00 JST, October 21, 2024

WAJIMA, Ishikawa — A moment of silence was observed for victims in Wajima, Ishikawa Prefecture on Monday, one month after record rainfall devastated the northern part of Noto Peninsula.

Wajima Mayor Shigeru Sakaguchi and other city officials observed a moment of silence at 9:30 a.m. on the second floor of the city hall. The city also called on its citizens through the wireless public address system to pray for the victims. Six staff members mourned the victims at the volunteer center, which was set up in the city’s junior high school gymnasium.

The disaster occurred in the middle of restoration and reconstruction following the Jan. 1 earthquake.

“Some residents said they feel like they are losing heart,” Sakaguchi told reporters in the city hall. “Relief goods sent from across the country are supporting us physically and emotionally.”