Japan’s Chiba Prefecture has been hit by record-breaking heavy rain, causing at least 5 deaths and massive disruptions in transportation. Narita Airport saw around 7,000 passengers stranded overnight due to the suspension of train and bus services. Local authorities issued the highest level of heavy rain special warning, with evacuation orders affecting over 400,000 people.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, extreme heavy rain hit various areas in Chiba Prefecture from Thursday (August 13) evening to the early hours of the 14th due to the influence of warm and humid air, with a linear rain band forming at one point. Some areas recorded over 360 millimeters of rainfall in 24 hours, with Chiba City experiencing over 350 millimeters. The Meteorological Agency issued the highest level “Level 5 Heavy Rain Special Warning” and landslide disaster special warning for Chiba City and other areas.
On the 14th, Chiba Prefecture government confirmed 5 fatalities. Governor of Chiba Prefecture, Toshihito Kumagaya, described the heavy rain as “extremely rare” and unprecedented in his experience of dealing with disasters.
The heavy rain resulted in the disruption of multiple train, road, and bus routes in Chiba Prefecture, severely impacting external transportation to Narita Airport. Around 7,000 people were reported stranded at Narita Airport around 4 am on the 14th, with many passengers waiting outside the terminal for taxis and other transportation.
In response to the situation, the airport opened up parts of the terminal not usually accessible to passengers outside of operating hours and provided stranded passengers with drinking water, food, and sleeping bags. Many passengers laid out sleeping bags on the terminal floor to rest temporarily.
Narita Airport officials stated that flight operations planned to proceed normally on the 14th. Japan Airlines mentioned that some flights might experience delays but cancellations were not expected at the moment.
Due to flooding, several JR East train lines were temporarily suspended, with some sections still not restored on the 14th. Train services connecting Narita Airport with downtown Tokyo were also affected. Major highways in Chiba Prefecture, including roads leading to Narita Airport, were closed.
The transportation disruptions led to a significant number of stranded individuals throughout Chiba Prefecture. Suigo Station surrounded by water up to waist height at one point, forcing around 4,000 people to spend the night at the station. The prefectural government set up temporary shelter facilities at government buildings and surrounding locations on the 13th, accommodating about 1,700 people, and requested the Self-Defense Forces for disaster dispatch to assist in transferring stranded individuals and conducting rescue operations.
On the evening of August 13, data from Tokyo Electric Power Company indicated over 45,000 households experienced power outages in Chiba Prefecture due to the heavy rain. By the morning of the 14th, the number of households without power significantly decreased, with still over 20,000 households without electricity in Chiba Prefecture as of 11 am, while relevant authorities continued repair work.
While the rainfall is gradually easing, the restoration of some roads, railways, and highways will still require time. Local governments are continuously verifying flood situations, road damages, and casualties, with ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.