TOKYO: Record-breaking rainfall in Japan has caused widespread flooding near Tokyo, killing eight people, disrupting transport and leaving thousands of travellers stranded at Narita International Airport, authorities said Friday.
Parts of Chiba prefecture, located east of Tokyo, received more than 360 millimetres (14 inches) of rain within 24 hours, triggering severe flooding across roads, railway lines and residential areas. The extreme weather also disrupted power supplies, leaving around 20,000 homes without electricity.
The heavy rainfall struck during one of Japan’s busiest holiday travel periods, creating major disruption for commuters and travellers. Several roads and rail services were affected by rising floodwaters, while emergency teams were deployed to assist people trapped by the flooding.
Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai described the situation as exceptionally serious, saying he had dealt with numerous natural disasters in the past but had never experienced an event of this scale.
Japan’s public broadcaster NHK, citing local authorities and police, reported that eight people had died in the flooding. One of the victims was reportedly trapped inside a vehicle that became submerged in floodwater.
The flooding also caused major problems at Narita Airport, one of Japan’s key international travel hubs. Transport disruptions left around 7,000 passengers stranded, with many forced to spend the night at the airport after being unable to continue their journeys.
Airport staff provided stranded travellers with sleeping bags, drinking water and snacks as hundreds of passengers settled in waiting areas and other available spaces. The disruption created significant congestion and confusion during the peak holiday travel period.
Authorities deployed soldiers to support rescue and relief operations in the worst-hit areas. Emergency crews have been working to assist residents, assess damage and restore essential services affected by the floods.
The extreme weather has also highlighted the risks posed by increasingly intense rainfall events in Japan. Officials have urged residents and travellers to remain alert, avoid flooded roads and follow evacuation or emergency instructions where necessary.
With transportation networks disrupted and further adverse weather possible, authorities continue to monitor conditions across Chiba and surrounding areas while rescue and recovery operations remain underway.
