Record-breaking rainfall in Japan caused chaos at Tokyo’s Narita airport, leaving thousands of travelers stranded and disrupting transportation systems. The heavy downpour, with over 360 millimeters of rain within 24 hours in Chiba prefecture, resulted in floods that impacted roads and railways during a busy holiday period in Japan.
Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai described the situation as highly unusual, stating it was unlike any disaster he had dealt with before. Tragically, the extreme weather conditions claimed eight lives, including a person trapped in a submerged vehicle.
At Narita airport, stranded passengers received assistance with sleeping bags, water, and snacks as they coped with the aftermath of the transportation disruptions. The situation led to widespread chaos, with approximately 7,000 individuals affected by the travel standstill.
As a result of the weather-related challenges, more than 20,000 homes experienced power outages, and gas supply to nearly 13,000 residences was temporarily disrupted. In Chiba city, where the impact was severe, hundreds sought refuge in government buildings, spending the night under foil blankets.
The torrential rain also led to road closures and the suspension of several rail services, adding to the transportation woes. Despite the challenges, airport officials anticipated most flights to operate as scheduled on Friday, offering some relief to travelers.
The rainfall in Chiba set a new record, exceeding the previous high recorded in 2013. Weather authorities reported 367 millimeters of rain in a 24-hour period, causing significant disruptions and highlighting the severity of the situation.