Record-breaking rainfall in Japan led to significant disruptions in Tokyo’s Narita airport, leaving thousands of travelers stranded. The excessive rainfall, with over 360 millimeters falling in just 24 hours in Chiba prefecture, resulted in floods that affected roads and railways during a peak holiday period in Japan.
Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai described the situation as highly unusual, emphasizing the severity of the disaster. Tragically, eight individuals lost their lives, including one person trapped in a submerged vehicle, as reported by Chiba authorities and police.
Narita airport faced challenges accommodating stranded passengers, with airport staff providing essentials like sleeping bags, water, and snacks to those affected. Transport disruptions left around 7,000 people stranded, causing chaos and long waits for services like taxis.
Power outages affected more than 20,000 homes due to flooding at a power substation, while gas supply to nearly 13,000 residences was temporarily interrupted. In Chiba city, hundreds sought refuge in makeshift evacuation centers, highlighting the widespread impact of the flooding.
The heavy rainfall also led to road closures and disruptions in rail services, with some highways in Chiba closed and major traffic congestion on alternative routes. Despite the challenges, authorities noted that most flights at Narita airport were expected to resume normal operations on Friday.
Weather authorities confirmed that the 367 millimeters of rain in Chiba exceeded previous records, surpassing the 2013 record of 309 millimeters. The images of flooded areas and stranded individuals paint a stark picture of the calamity brought about by the intense rainfall in Japan.