Record-breaking rainfall hit Japan, causing chaos at Tokyo’s Narita airport as floods and transportation disruptions stranded thousands of travelers. The deluge of over 360 millimeters of rain in 24 hours in Chiba prefecture led to power outages for 20,000 homes and claimed the lives of eight individuals.
Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai described the situation as extremely rare, highlighting the severity of the disaster. Among the casualties was a person trapped in a submerged vehicle, according to NHK reports.
Passengers at Narita airport faced long waits for transport and accommodations, with some resorting to sleeping at the airport due to the widespread disruptions. Airport officials provided necessities like sleeping bags, water, and snacks to assist the stranded travelers.
Despite the challenges, most flights were expected to resume normal operations on Friday. However, the aftermath of the heavy rain also included power outages, road closures, and gas supply interruptions affecting thousands of residents in the region.
Emergency shelters were set up in Chiba city for those displaced by the flooding, while major highways and rail services experienced closures and delays. The excessive rainfall in Chiba surpassed previous records, with 367 millimeters recorded in a 24-hour period, causing significant damage and inconvenience to the affected areas.