Record-breaking rainfall pounded cities east of Tokyo overnight, leaving at least four people dead and one missing. Thousands of commuters were stranded, with many taking shelter at the Chiba Prefectural Government Building.
Widespread Flooding and Power Outages
The Japan Meteorological Agency downgraded its most severe heavy-rain warning for more than a dozen municipalities in Chiba Prefecture as rain subsided Friday morning, but it forecast more rain later in the day. Photos and television footage showed widespread damage after daylight, with homes, cars, and parts of railway tracks flooded with muddy water.
The Ground Self-Defense Force dispatched buses to pick up about 4,000 stranded people who stayed overnight at the Soga train station, a local route that also serves Tokyo Disney. The theme park did not report any damage.
Thousands Stranded at Narita Airport
Thousands more people were stuck overnight at Narita Airport, serving the Tokyo region, with trains out of the area stopped. Services partially resumed Friday morning with delays, while flights in and out of Narita were operating normally Friday, with many people returning home at the end of Japan's Bon Buddhist holiday week.
Record-Breaking Rainfall
Record-breaking rainfall of 11.5 centimeters (4.5 inches) fell in just one hour in Chiba City, and 9.7 centimeters (3.8 inches) fell in one hour in Sakura, which was also a record. JMA forecast official Takuya Hosomi told a televised emergency news conference that unprecedented rainfall levels had been recorded.
Residents Affected and Response Efforts
More than 80 homes were flooded in the prefecture, and nearly 230,000 residents across the prefecture were advised to take shelter, Chiba officials said. The torrential rain and flooding also knocked out power to about 23,000 homes Friday morning, down from 68,000 earlier, according to the TEPCO Power Grid.
Aftermath and Recovery Efforts
As the rain subsided, residents began to assess the damage and start the recovery process. The prefecture will likely take time to repair the damaged infrastructure and support those affected by the flooding. In the meantime, residents are advised to remain cautious and take necessary precautions to avoid further accidents.
Source: Joy Online
