ISTANBUL

The death toll from heavy rains in Japan has climbed to six with 10 others still missing, authorities said on Monday.

However, search and rescue efforts continue in Noto region in Ishikawa province in central Japan which was badly hit by a powerful earthquake in January.

Authorities warned that the Jan. 1 powerful earthquake that hit the Noto region has increased the risk of landslides even in case of small rain.

The region was hit by record rainfall which caused flooding in nearly two dozen rivers, triggering landslides, blocking roads and leaving more than 100 neighborhoods isolated, according to Tokyo-based Kyodo News.

The country’s Meteorological Agency called for strict vigilance against further disasters.

On New Year's Day this year, Japan was hit by a strong 7.6 magnitude earthquake, which killed 238, while at least 19 were still missing.