Record rainfall in Chiba prefecture stranded thousands of travelers at Tokyo’s Narita airport and killed at least four people, as flooding disrupted transport links and cut power to homes during one of Japan’s busiest holiday weeks.
More than 360 mm (14 inches) of rain fell within 24 hours in parts of Chiba, the prefecture surrounding Narita, submerging roads and railways. Authorities confirmed four deaths, including one person found trapped in a flooded vehicle, with a further person still missing. Soldiers were deployed to assist with rescue and relief operations.
Around 7,000 people were stuck at the airport’s terminals overnight as trains and buses into central Tokyo were suspended, an airport spokesperson said. Restricted areas were opened to house the crowds, and staff distributed water, food and sleeping bags through the night. Some passengers slept on the terminal floor after queuing for supplies, footage from public broadcaster NHK showed.
By Friday morning, conditions had begun to improve: some rail links between Narita and central Tokyo had resumed, easing crowding, and the airport said all flights were expected to operate normally. Japan Airlines said some delays were possible but no cancellations were currently anticipated.
Several major highways in Chiba remained closed, according to highway operator NEXCO East, diverting traffic and causing heavy congestion. Some rail services were still suspended as of Friday morning.
