Record rain in Japan kills 4, strands thousands at Airport
At least four people died in eastern Japan after “unprecedented” heavy rain that left nearly 7,000 stranded at Tokyo’s Narita airport, and forced thousands to take refuge in government buildings. The torrential rains hit Chiba prefecture, east of Tokyo, on Thursday, August 13, night, triggering landslide warnings and power outages. Evacuation orders were issued for […]
A devastating rainstorm struck eastern Japan, claiming at least four lives and leaving over 7,000 stranded at Tokyo’s Narita airport on August 13, 2026. The torrential downpour, measuring 115mm per hour, triggered landslide warnings and power outages across Chiba prefecture, east of Tokyo. In response, evacuation orders were issued for more than 400,000 residents in Chiba and surrounding areas, with approximately 45,000 homes losing electricity.
The National Weather Agency issued its highest level 5 warning for heavy rain and landslides in the region. Among the fatalities were a man in his 60s or 70s, found floating in a flooded road in Ichikawa City, and a 66-year-old woman whose car became trapped in floodwaters in Sakura City. Two additional individuals perished while attempting to escape their vehicles during the flooding.
Soldiers joined relief efforts, with Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai describing the situation as "extremely unusual." Seven thousand passengers spent the night at Narita airport, while 1,700 individuals sought refuge in the Chiba prefectural government building. Public broadcaster NHK footage revealed water gushing from a maintenance hole, surpassing a nearby five-story building.
Meteorologists noted that climate change is contributing to the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, and warned residents to take precautions and heed evacuation advisories from local authorities.
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