Deluge at Tokyo airport kills four and strands 7,000 as Hawaii braces for tropical storm

Record rainfall has led to the death of at least four people and the displacement of 7,000 travelers at Tokyo's Narita airport. Over 360mm of rain fell in Chiba prefecture, adjacent to Tokyo, causing massive flooding. The torrential downpour disrupted transport, caused power outages to nearly 25,000 households, and resulted in the suspension of several rail services.

Four deaths have been confirmed, including one person trapped in a submerged vehicle. Soldiers were deployed to assist with relief efforts. The transport disruption left a significant number of travelers stranded at Narita, one of Japan's busiest international transport hubs. Major highways connecting Narita to central Tokyo remained closed, causing heavy traffic.

In Hawaii, a state of emergency was declared as Tropical Storm Lala approaches, threatening powerful winds, flooding, and landslides. The storm is forecast to gain strength and potentially become a hurricane, with rainfall amounts of up to 63.5 cm expected. Governor Josh Green urged authorities to ensure sufficient resources and personnel were available to address the expected damage.

Scientists warn that climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including tropical storms, due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels.