Heavy rain kills four in Japan

Heavy rain kills four in Japan

CHIBA, Japan: At least four people have died and another remains missing after record-breaking rainfall triggered flooding and severe disruption in Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo.

Japan’s weather authorities reported that Chiba City received 367 millimetres of rain within 24 hours, marking an exceptionally heavy downpour for the region. The intense rainfall caused flooding, damaged infrastructure and disrupted daily life across several areas.

More than 25,000 households lost electricity as the storm damaged power infrastructure. The severe weather also disrupted air travel, leaving more than 7,000 passengers stranded at airports. Authorities cancelled dozens of train services, while flooding and dangerous road conditions forced the closure of several major highways.

Officials issued an emergency high alert for areas facing the greatest risk from flooding and further rain. Rescue teams have been working to reach affected communities, while the Japanese government has sought assistance from the Self-Defense Forces to support evacuation and relief operations.

Authorities have urged residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert, avoid flooded roads and follow evacuation instructions as emergency crews continue searching for the missing person and assessing the extent of the damage.