An unprecedented heavy rainstorm occurred in Chiba Prefecture in eastern Japan, causing flash floods that severed multiple roads and railway lines. Homes lost electricity, and at least four people have died.
Heavy rains beginning the evening of 13 August prompted the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to issue its first-ever highest-level heavy rain warning for Chiba. Some areas recorded over 360 millimeters of rainfall within 24 hours, resulting in widespread flooding of roads and railways.
Officials reported at least four deaths, including one person found dead inside a vehicle trapped by floodwaters. Military forces have been deployed to assist residents and support rescue operations. The heavy rain has been classified as unusually severe compared to Japan's typical extreme weather standards.
The impact extended to Narita Airport, a major international travel hub in Japan, where about 7,000 passengers were stranded overnight after many roads and rail connections to the airport were suspended. Airport staff distributed water, food, and sleeping bags to passengers unable to leave.
Although most flights were scheduled to operate normally on 14 August, Japan Airlines warned of possible delays. Several main roads in Chiba Prefecture, including routes linking Narita Airport to Tokyo, remained closed, causing heavy traffic congestion on detour routes.
Additionally, hundreds of people were stranded at Chiba train stations after multiple rail lines suspended service. In some affected areas, vehicles were submerged nearly to their roofs, and some residents had to evacuate to emergency shelters.
Japanese authorities continue to closely monitor flood and landslide risks following warnings from the Japan Meteorological Agency that the rainfall severity in many parts of Chiba is unprecedented.
Scientists state that human-driven climate change contributes to the increasing frequency, duration, and intensity of extreme weather events like this.
/source:channelnewsasia
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