Extreme Weather Hits Eastern Japan, at Least Eight Dead and Thousands of Passengers Stranded at Narita

Eastern Japan has been hit by record rainfall, which authorities have described as “unprecedented.” Flooding, landslides and storm-related power outages have claimed the lives of at least eight people.

Among the worst-hit areas is Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo. More than 100 millimeters of rain fell in the region within an hour, the highest level ever recorded there and roughly three times the average rainfall for the month of August.

More than 20,000 households have been left without electricity. At the same time, more than 100,000 households have been instructed to evacuate because of the threat that flooding and landslides pose to populated areas.

Japanese media report that the death toll has risen to at least eight. One of the victims was a woman who died in her vehicle after it was engulfed by floodwaters. Two other people collapsed in the street and later died.

Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai said the situation was highly unusual, even by the standards of the extreme weather Japan experiences.

Rescue operations have been designated as the authorities’ top priority. Officials have warned that the risk of flooding and landslides remains high.

The transport system has also been severely affected. Thousands of travelers spent the night stranded at Tokyo’s Narita Airport, while other transport hubs also experienced disruption. Rail services were suspended and several major highways were closed.

Forecasts indicate that the rain will continue into late Friday. Authorities have urged residents to exercise extra caution due to the possibility of flooding and landslides.