Volunteers aid flood-hit areas in Japan's Chiba Pref. after torrential downpour

Oamishirasato, a city in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, faced severe flooding following heavy rains on August 13 and 14. Disaster volunteers, both local and from other prefectures, arrived on August 17 to assist residents in cleaning up their homes and relocating household items. Areas near JR Oami Station were particularly affected, with 50 buildings inundated above floor level.

Ayako Abekura, a 46-year-old resident in Komagome district, recounted that water started entering her home late on August 13, reaching knee-high by midnight. Her family evacuated to the second floor, while her minicar in the parking lot became inoperable. Masami Kado, a 73-year-old volunteer from Saitama Prefecture, expressed his connection to the area as the hometown of his daughter's husband. He vowed to visit four homes throughout the day.

Yukiko Matsumoto, a 60-year-old elementary school teacher from Tsuchiura, Ibaraki Prefecture, volunteered on a school holiday, hoping to assist those in need. At a nearby apartment building, volunteers worked on removing tatami mats and other soaked items. One 66-year-old volunteer from Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture, was surprised by the extent of the damage, noting that even though the region lacks a significant river, such extensive flooding could occur after heavy rain.