Four dead and nearly 7,000 stranded as record rain hits Chiba
Record rainfall in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture has killed at least four people, cut transport links and stranded nearly 7,000 passengers at Narita Airport.
Record-breaking rainfall struck Japan’s Chiba Prefecture, causing flash floods, widespread power cuts and severe transport disruption, with at least four people confirmed dead.
Nearly 7,000 passengers were also stranded overnight at Narita International Airport during one of Japan’s busiest holiday travel periods.
Reuters reported that some parts of Chiba, which borders Tokyo, received more than 360 millimetres of rain within 24 hours. Floodwater rapidly inundated roads and railway lines, cutting off several transport routes.
Japanese authorities confirmed at least four deaths, including one person who became trapped inside a completely submerged vehicle. One person remained missing, prompting the deployment of military personnel to assist rescue operations.
Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai described the flooding as an extraordinary and unprecedented situation.
Tokyo Electric Power Company, or TEPCO, reported that more than 22,000 households had lost electricity. Hundreds of residents in Chiba city were evacuated and spent the night in government buildings being used as temporary shelters.
Thousands stranded at Narita Airport
Flooding also cut transport connections to Narita International Airport.
An airport spokesman said about 7,000 passengers were stranded inside the terminals, with many using emergency blankets and sleeping on the floor overnight.
Airport staff distributed drinking water and dry food to affected passengers. Most flights continued to operate, although some delays were reported.
By Friday morning, several railway services between Narita Airport and Tokyo had partially resumed, helping ease congestion inside the terminals.
However, a number of major highways remained closed for safety reasons.
