Record-breaking rainfall in Japan caused severe disruptions at Tokyo’s Narita airport, leaving thousands of travelers stranded. The heavy rains in Chiba prefecture, adjacent to Tokyo, led to flooding, power outages affecting 20,000 homes, and claimed the lives of eight individuals.
Governor Toshihito Kumagai of Chiba described the situation as highly unusual, emphasizing the unprecedented nature of the disaster. Among the casualties reported was a person trapped in a submerged vehicle, according to local authorities and police.
Passengers at Narita airport faced significant challenges, with transport disruptions leaving around 7,000 individuals stranded. Airport staff provided essentials like sleeping bags and snacks to those affected, including Minoru Yamasaki, a Chiba resident who struggled to find accommodation and had to return to the airport.
Despite the chaos, most flights were anticipated to resume normal operations on Friday, easing the situation for stranded passengers. However, the aftermath of the rainfall included widespread power outages and road closures, with over 20,000 homes losing electricity and gas supply disruptions affecting nearly 13,000 residents.
In Chiba city, hundreds sought refuge in emergency shelters set up in government buildings, while major highways were closed, diverting traffic to alternative routes. Rail services were also temporarily suspended, causing further transportation challenges.
The deluge in Chiba set a new record with 367 millimeters of rain within 24 hours, surpassing the previous high of 309 millimeters recorded in 2013. The adverse weather conditions led to significant damage and disruptions across the affected areas.