Record rain in Japan kills at least 8, leaves thousands stranded at Narita airport
More than 360mm of rain fell in 24 hours in parts of Chiba prefecture, flooding roads and railways. At least eight people were killed as Japan issued its highest-level heavy rain warning for the region for the first time.
Close to 26,000 households across Chiba were left without power, while dozens of homes flooded. Hundreds of residents spent the night in shelters as flood waters rose around cars and buildings.
“This case was an extremely unusual situation, even by Japan's historical weather standards,” Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai said, adding that he had never experienced a disaster like it.
Around 7,000 travellers were stranded at Narita airport after flooding cut transport links. Airport staff handed out water, food and sleeping bags as passengers settled in for an unexpected night at the terminal.
Major highways linking Narita with central Tokyo remained closed, causing heavy traffic, while several rail services were suspended. Hundreds of passengers were also stranded at Chiba station.
