Record Rainfall in Japan: Casualties and Thousands Stranded

At least 4 people have died and 5 injured due to the 'unprecedented' heavy rainfall in Chiba prefecture near Tokyo, Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency described the downpour as 'unprecedented heavy rain'. Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai stated that the situation was extremely unusual, even for Japan's history of natural disasters. Over 100 millimeters of rain was recorded in Chiba on Thursday afternoon, which is approximately three times the average rainfall in August, and the highest ever recorded in the country. The heavy rain caused flooding and landslides in some areas, and authorities requested the evacuation of over 100,000 homes. Among the deceased was a woman whose car was trapped in a flooded road. Two others collapsed on the street and later died. The heavy rain also cut off electricity to over 20,000 homes, and some train services were suspended from Friday morning. Major roads were closed to traffic. Approximately 7,000 passengers were stranded at Tokyo's Narita Airport due to transportation disruptions. Some passengers were stuck at metro stations, while about 1,800 people took shelter at the Chiba Prefectural Government Building. Narita Airport officials announced that flights would operate normally on Friday, but Japan Airlines warned of possible delays without expecting cancellations.