Unprecedented heavy rain in eastern Japan kills at least four as evacuation orders rise
At least four people have died in eastern Japan after unprecedented heavy rain caused flooding, transport disruption and power cuts across Chiba prefecture. The downpours also left nearly 7,000 passengers stranded overnight at Narita airport, while thousands more took shelter in government buildings and other emergency accommodation. Authorities said the rain eased on Friday, but warnings remained in place because flood risks were still high.
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Officials said evacuation orders were issued for more than 400,000 people in Chiba and nearby areas as the storm intensified on Thursday night. About 45,000 homes lost power, and the Japan Meteorological Agency issued its highest level 5 heavy-rain warning for heavy rain and landslides in Chiba for the first time. The rainfall reached about 115mm in an hour, roughly the amount usually recorded over the whole month of August, according to the report.
The deaths included a man believed to be in his 60s or 70s found floating in a flooded road in Ichikawa City and a 66-year-old woman killed when her car became trapped in floodwaters in Sakura City. Two other people were reported to have died after being unable to escape from their vehicles during the flooding. Soldiers were dispatched to the area to help with relief efforts, and Chiba governor Toshihito Kumagai described the situation as extremely unusual.
The incident has immediate significance for transport and public safety in one of Japan's most densely connected regions. Narita airport is a major international gateway, and the disruption there showed how quickly severe weather can affect travel far beyond the flooded streets. The flooding also exposed the vulnerability of low-lying urban and suburban areas when drainage systems, roads and rail links are overwhelmed by sudden rainfall.
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The event comes amid wider concern in Japan about the growing impact of extreme weather, with officials warning that intense rainfall can become more frequent and more damaging. Public broadcaster footage showed water erupting from what appeared to be a maintenance hole in Chiba's central ward and rising above the height of a nearby five-storey building, underlining the scale of the flooding. The ministry of land, infrastructure, transport and tourism urged residents in high-risk river areas to protect their lives by evacuating early and following local advisories.
What remains unclear is the full extent of damage to homes, roads and transport services, and how quickly power can be restored across the affected areas. It is also not yet clear whether any further fatalities will be confirmed as officials continue assessments. The situation is likely to remain fluid as local authorities monitor rivers, landslide risks and the return of airport and rail operations.
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