Record rainfall triggers flooding, landslides and major disruption near Tokyo
Six people confirmed dead
At least six people have died and five others have been injured after record rainfall hit Japan’s Chiba prefecture, near Tokyo.
Authorities described the rainfall as an “unprecedented” event, with severe flooding and landslides affecting communities across the region.
Highest emergency warning issued
Japan’s authorities issued a level five emergency warning on Thursday, the country’s highest alert, as the extreme weather intensified.
The warning was later downgraded to level four on Friday morning, but residents continued to face warnings over the risk of further flooding and landslides.
More than 100,000 households were asked to evacuate as emergency services responded to the worsening conditions.
Record rainfall overwhelms Chiba
Chiba recorded more than 100mm of rain per hour from Thursday afternoon, according to authorities.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said the rainfall represented an extremely unusual weather event, even by the country’s historical standards.
Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai said he had responded to many disasters but had never experienced conditions like those seen in the region.
Fatalities reported across the region
At least six people have died, according to Japanese media reports.
Among those killed was a woman who died inside a car that became submerged on a flooded road. Two other people reportedly collapsed in the streets and later died.
Rescue teams continued working to reach affected residents and protect lives as the heavy rain continued.
Power and transport disrupted
The rainfall left more than 20,000 households without electricity and caused widespread disruption to transport.
Several railway services remained suspended on Friday, while some major highways were also closed.
Around 7,000 travellers were stranded overnight at Tokyo’s Narita Airport, while about 1,800 people spent the night inside the Chiba Prefectural Government building.
Narita Airport said flights were expected to operate normally on Friday, although Japan Airlines warned that some services could face delays.
More storms hit region
The extreme rainfall comes during a period of unusually active weather across East Asia.
Japan, the Philippines and China have experienced a series of storms this week, bringing heavy rain, flooding and strong winds.
Japan’s Okinawa island was also affected by Typhoon Dolphin, which caused power outages, toppled trees and disrupted flights.
In China, more than one million people were evacuated over the weekend as Dolphin made landfall in the country’s east.
Authorities continue rescue efforts
Japanese authorities are prioritising rescue operations and urging residents to remain alert as rain continues.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said warm, humid air moving into eastern Japan combined with colder air above, creating highly unstable atmospheric conditions.
With flooding and landslide risks still present, authorities are warning residents to follow evacuation instructions and avoid dangerous areas.
