Heavy rains in Japan leave 4 dead and thousands stranded at Narita airport

Heavy rains in Japan have resulted in four deaths and thousands of people stranded at Tokyo’s Narita airport, according to the Chiba prefecture Disaster Management Office. Over 360mm (1 foot 2 inches) of rain fell in 24 hours in parts of Chiba prefecture, adjacent to the capital Tokyo, causing severe flooding that disrupted transport, knocked out power to nearly 25,000 households, and left around 7,000 individuals stranded at the airport.

Four fatalities have been confirmed so far: a man in his 60s or 70s, a 66-year-old woman, a man of unknown age, and a person of undetermined gender and age. Authorities have deployed soldiers to assist with relief efforts. Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai described the situation as "extremely unusual" for Japan's historical weather standards, noting that he has never encountered a disaster like this.

While all flights are scheduled to operate normally on Friday, some may experience delays. Major highways in the region, including routes connecting Narita airport to central Tokyo, remain closed, leading to heavy traffic and forcing drivers onto alternative routes. Several rail services have also been suspended, although some trains connecting Narita to Tokyo have resumed operations.