'Unprecedented' rain in Japan kills six people

At least six individuals lost their lives due to an unprecedented downpour in eastern Japan, stranding numerous people at Tokyo's Narita Airport. The torrential rains, deemed unprecedented by authorities, severed power to more than 20,000 households in Chiba prefecture. Local officials issued a maximum-level emergency warning on Thursday, which was later reduced to a lower level but the dangers of landslides and flooding persist.

The deluge is the result of warm, humid air meeting cold air above, creating highly unstable atmospheric conditions, according to Japan's Meteorological Agency.

The unusual and extreme weather event has left thousands stranded, with Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai stating it's an exceptionally rare occurrence in the region's history. Chiba, adjacent to Tokyo, has experienced rainfall per hour exceeding 100mm since Thursday afternoon, three times the average for August and the highest volume ever recorded. Authorities are prioritizing rescue efforts, emphasizing the saving of lives.

At least eight fatalities have been reported, including a woman who drowned in her car stuck in a flooded road. Two others died after collapsing on the streets. Japan's Meteorological Agency described the situation as an unprecedented level of heavy rain. Several train services remain suspended on Friday morning, while significant highways are closed.

Over 100,000 households were advised to evacuate on Thursday following landslides and power outages. Despite the adverse conditions, flights at Narita Airport were expected to operate normally on Friday.

Passengers were stranded at metro stations, with around 1,800 individuals spending the night at the Chiba Prefectural Government building. A resident in Chiba's Ichikawa city expressed surprise at the sudden onset of the heavy rain, fearing the impact on her business. Meanwhile, in the Philippines, schools and offices in northern regions remain closed due to fears of flooding.

Earlier this week, Japan, the Philippines, and China faced consecutive storms – Dolphin, Chan-Hom, and Peilou – simultaneously. Dolphin caused heavy rain in Japan's Okinawa island, causing power cuts, tree falls, and flight cancellations. In China, over a million people were evacuated from their homes as Dolphin, the strongest typhoon this year so far, made landfall in the east.