'Unprecedented' heavy Japan rain kills at least four

At least four fatalities have been reported in eastern Japan following unprecedented heavy rain. The torrential downpours caused widespread disruptions, leaving thousands stranded at Narita airport overnight and hampering roads and rail services. The severe weather prompted landslide warnings and power outages, marking the first time a level-five heavy rain warning had been issued for the Chiba region.

Those who perished include a man in his 60s or 70s found adrift on a flooded road, a 66-year-old woman trapped in her submerged car, an unidentified man collapsed on the street, and a person whose gender and age remain unknown. At least 26,000 households in Chiba prefecture lost power, and 45 houses experienced flooding, with water seeping in below floorboards in another 39 homes.

Around 6,000 individuals were stranded overnight at Narita, one of Tokyo's primary airports, as many trains and flights were canceled until the following afternoon. Stranded travelers shared that airport staff provided them with free food, water, and sleeping bags. Users on social media expressed surprise at having to spend the night at the airport.

The disaster management office reported that several people were seen with cars submerged up to their headlights in Kashiwa city. This abrupt and intense rainfall caught many off guard. Power restorations are underway, but the aftermath has left the community concerned about the potential impact on businesses and daily life. Scientists attribute such extreme weather events to the intensifying effects of climate change.