At least five people have died after Japan heavy rain caused severe flooding and widespread disruption across parts of eastern Japan. Thousands of people were stranded as roads and railway services were disrupted.
The torrential rainfall hit Chiba prefecture late Thursday, triggering landslide warnings and power outages. Japan’s weather authorities issued their highest-level heavy rain warning for the region for the first time, describing the situation as potentially unprecedented.
Narita International Airport was among the areas heavily affected. Around 6,000 passengers reportedly spent the night at the airport after train services connecting the facility with surrounding areas were suspended. Long queues formed, while passengers used sleeping bags inside terminals.
Officials in Chiba confirmed five deaths during a disaster management meeting on Friday. The victims included a man believed to be in his 60s or 70s who was found in floodwater and a 66-year-old woman discovered inside a submerged vehicle. Other deaths were also reported, while NHK said the toll could rise.
The Japan heavy rain also caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. Nearly 26,000 households in Chiba were without electricity, while more than 80 houses were flooded in cities including Ichikawa, Kashiwa and Sakura. Water also entered dozens of other homes.
Transport services were severely affected, with numerous trains cancelled or suspended. Hundreds of people were stranded at Chiba Station, while others spent the night in emergency shelters. Airport staff reportedly distributed water, food and sleeping bags to passengers unable to leave.
Japan’s highest-level rain warnings were downgraded to level four by Friday morning as conditions began to improve. However, authorities continued monitoring flooding and landslide risks. Scientists have warned that climate change is contributing to more frequent and intense extreme weather events.
