Record rainfall leaves four dead, thousands stranded in Japan

What the report says

Record rainfall in Japan’s Chiba prefecture, east of Tokyo, has killed at least four people and left thousands stranded, according to Al Jazeera’s report based on AFP, AP and Reuters. The flooding hit roads, rail lines and homes as heavy rain continued into Friday, during the Bon Buddhist holiday week, one of the country’s busiest travel periods.

The article said some areas of Chiba saw more than 360mm of rain in 24 hours. Authorities reported that one man in his 60s or 70s was found in floodwaters, a 66-year-old woman died after becoming trapped in a submerged car, and two other victims were found collapsed or otherwise unidentified. Officials also said a fifth person was feared dead and a sixth remained missing.

Disruption was widespread. More than 22,000 households were without power by Friday morning, and about 230,000 people were advised to evacuate. Japan’s Ground Self-Defence Force helped move 4,000 people from Soga train station after they were stranded for hours, while thousands more spent the night at Narita airport and in government buildings. Soldiers were sent to assist with relief efforts.

The Japan Meteorological Agency later downgraded its highest heavy-rain warning in parts of Chiba as conditions eased, though more rain was forecast. In general, such flooding can severely affect transport and power networks in Japan, especially when it overlaps with major holiday travel, when roads and rail services are already under heavy demand.