TOKYO -- Unprecedented rainfall has left six people dead in Japan's Ishikawa Prefecture, with 10 remaining unaccounted for, local media reported.

Two people, one in Noto Town and one in Suzu City, were swept away by a river and their whereabouts remained unknown, according to public broadcaster NHK, citing information from local police.

There are eight others whose safety is unconfirmed, bringing the number of people unaccounted for to 10, the report added.

Japan's weather agency on Sunday morning downgraded its heavy rain emergency warning for parts of Ishikawa Prefecture to a warning, but authorities called for continued vigilance against possible floods and landslides.