Record-breaking rainfall in Japan caused chaos at Tokyo’s Narita airport, leaving thousands of travelers stranded and disrupting transportation. The heavy downpour in Chiba prefecture, adjacent to Tokyo, resulted in flooding of roads and railways, with over 360 millimeters of rain falling in just 24 hours during a peak holiday period in Japan.
Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai described the situation as extremely unusual, noting that the disaster response was unprecedented in his experience. The severe weather claimed eight lives, including one individual trapped in a submerged vehicle, according to reports from Chiba authorities and police.
At Narita airport, stranded passengers were provided with sleeping bags, water, and snacks as they faced long delays and transportation challenges. Airport staff worked to manage the situation, with most flights expected to resume normal operations soon.
The torrential rain also led to power outages affecting over 20,000 households, as a power substation was flooded. Gas supply to nearly 13,000 homes was temporarily disrupted. In Chiba city, where the impact was particularly severe, hundreds sought refuge in government buildings.
The extreme weather conditions forced road closures and suspension of several rail services, causing traffic congestion and travel disruptions. Despite the challenges, some train services between Narita and Tokyo were gradually restored, alleviating congestion at the airport.
Weather authorities reported a record-breaking 367-millimeter rainfall within a 24-hour period in Chiba, surpassing the previous record set in 2013. The images of flooded areas and stranded individuals paint a vivid picture of the havoc wreaked by the unprecedented rainfall in the region.
