Japan: Record rains kill four near Tokyo, stranding thousands at airport

Unprecedented rainfall has battered eastern Tokyo and the neighboring Chiba Prefecture, resulting in at least four fatalities and significant disruption. The downpours, described as a "record-breaking" event by the Japan Meteorological Agency, triggered landslides and power outages across the region.

Thousands of travelers found themselves stranded at Narita Airport, a major gateway to Tokyo, and at Soga Station as floodwaters submerged roads and railway lines. Many train services were canceled, leaving commuters and travelers with no way to reach their destinations. Airport staff distributed water, food, and sleeping bags to passengers stranded overnight.

Authorities issued Japan's highest-level heavy rain warning for Chiba Prefecture, a measure taken for the first time. The severe weather led to widespread flooding, trapping a 66-year-old woman in her car and leaving thousands of households without electricity. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with fears of further casualties as some individuals remain unaccounted for.

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We are seeing an unprecedented level of heavy rainfall.