'Unprecedented' rains in Japan kill four people

Heavy rains swept through eastern Japan, claiming at least eight lives and leaving thousands stranded at Tokyo's Narita Airport. Authorities described the deluge as "unprecedented," prompting a level five emergency warning, which was later reduced to level four. The rains caused power outages affecting over 20,000 households in Chiba prefecture and triggered landslides, leading local authorities to issue evacuation orders for over 100,000 households.

The National Meteorological Agency noted the extreme instability in atmospheric conditions, combining warm, humid air with cold air above. Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai emphasized the rarity of such a severe weather event, stating it was unlike any disaster he had encountered. The heaviest rainfall recorded in the country was observed in Chiba, with hourly rainfall exceeding 100mm, more than three times the average for August.

Despite the severe conditions, Japan's flag carrier, Japan Airlines, maintained most of its flight schedules for Friday, though some delays were reported. The disaster has prompted similar emergency measures in the Philippines, where schools and government offices remain closed in the northern regions due to fears of floods.