Heavy Rain Hits Wide Areas of Japan

On Wednesday, heavy rain swept through central and western Japan, affecting regions from the Tokai area to the Chugoku and Shikoku regions. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned residents to stay alert for potential landslides, flooding, swollen rivers, lightning strikes, and strong winds. The Shonai River, which runs through Aichi and Gifu prefectures, was initially at Level 5 emergency overflow warning at 6:20 p.m. Tuesday but was later lifted at 12:40 a.m. Wednesday.

In Aichi, 21 people in Nagoya and two in Kitanagoya sustained minor injuries. Two homes were partially damaged, while 45 residences experienced flooding above floor level and another 45 above ground level. In Nagoya, about 200 vehicles were left stranded, unable to move. Chikusa Ward of Nagoya recorded 219.5 millimeters of rainfall in the 24 hours leading up to 1:20 a.m. Wednesday, while Aoi Ward in Shizuoka, the capital of the same prefecture, saw 267.0 millimeters in the same time frame. Gero, a city in Gifu, recorded 213.0 millimeters of rainfall in the 24 hours up to 4:10 p.m.