Record rainfall in Chiba prefecture has left approximately 7,000 travellers stranded at Narita airport while causing widespread flooding, power outages, and at least four confirmed deaths in the region.
Extraordinary rainfall across Chiba prefecture, which borders Tokyo, has triggered significant disruption across Japan's transportation networks and claimed multiple lives. More than 360 millimetres of rain fell within a 24-hour period in affected areas, coinciding with one of Japan's peak holiday travel seasons. The deluge resulted in flooded roadways and railways, widespread power failures affecting over 22,000 households, and forced authorities to establish emergency evacuation centres in hard-hit areas such as Chiba city, where hundreds of residents sheltered overnight in government buildings.
The flooding has claimed at least four confirmed deaths, including one person discovered in a submerged vehicle, with one additional person reported missing. Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai characterised the situation as extraordinarily unusual, noting his extensive disaster response experience had not previously encompassed an event of this scale. Military personnel have been deployed to assist with ongoing relief and recovery operations.
The environmental crisis has significantly impacted transportation infrastructure across the region. Around 7,000 travellers found themselves stranded at Narita airport, one of Japan's busiest international hubs. Multiple rail services were suspended during Friday morning, though some train connections linking Narita to central Tokyo had resumed operations. Several major highways in Chiba were closed, redirecting traffic and creating congestion on alternative routes. According to airport officials, flight operations were expected to proceed with normal scheduling on Friday, though Japan Airlines indicated potential delays without anticipated cancellations. Overnight, airport staff distributed emergency provisions including blankets, water, and food supplies to stranded passengers sheltering within terminal buildings.
