TOKYO — Record rainfall in eastern Japan has killed at least eight people and stranded thousands of travelers, disrupting transport and power supplies during one of the country’s busiest holiday periods, authorities and local media reported.
The heaviest rainfall struck Chiba prefecture, east of Tokyo, where more than 360 millimeters of rain fell in 24 hours. Weather authorities said 367 mm was recorded in Chiba, exceeding the previous 24-hour record of 309 mm set in October 2013.
The flooding brought roads and railways to a standstill and forced about 7,000 travelers to spend the night at Narita International Airport, a major gateway for Tokyo. Airport staff distributed sleeping bags, water and snacks to passengers affected by the disruption, while some travelers sought shelter in other public facilities.
The eight fatalities included a person who became trapped inside a submerged vehicle, according to Japan’s public broadcaster NHK, citing Chiba authorities and police. Rescue operations continued in affected areas, with soldiers deployed to assist emergency services.
Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai described the situation as extremely unusual, saying he had responded to many disasters but had never experienced a case like the latest rainfall.
The rain also caused widespread utility and transport disruptions. More than 20,000 homes lost electricity after floodwater affected a power substation, while gas supplies to nearly 13,000 households were temporarily interrupted, according to Tokyo Electric Power.
Several major highways in Chiba were closed, creating congestion on alternative routes. Rail operators suspended services on some lines, although some trains between Narita and Tokyo resumed, helping ease pressure on the airport and surrounding transport network.
In Chiba city, hundreds of people spent the night at temporary evacuation centers established in government buildings. The flooding came during Japan’s Bon holiday period, when large numbers of people travel across the country.
The Japan Meteorological Agency had issued its highest-level heavy-rain warning in parts of Chiba as the rainfall intensified, amid risks from flooding and landslides. Authorities continued to urge residents in affected areas to remain alert as emergency crews worked to assess damage and restore disrupted services.
