Japan's Chiba Prefecture hit by record rainfall, at least 8 dead

Chiba Prefecture in central Japan is grappling with the aftermath of record-breaking rainfall, which has claimed at least eight lives and caused extensive damage. The downpour, which began the previous day, overwhelmed drainage systems and triggered landslides, turning roads into treacherous waterways.

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This rainfall, 348mm in 12 hours in Chiba City, is three times the monthly average for August and has set a new record.

One locality in Chiba reported a staggering 348mm of rain within a 12-hour period on August 14th, a figure three times the average rainfall for the entire month of August. This extreme precipitation event set a new record for the region. The victims, many caught unaware by the sudden deluge, were found trapped in submerged vehicles or swept away by floodwaters. At least three individuals were discovered deceased inside cars stranded in flooded areas.

Governor Tomohito Kumagai described the rainfall as the heaviest ever recorded in Chiba. He pledged that the prefecture would prioritize rescue efforts and collaborate with relevant agencies. The disaster has led to approximately 70 landslides and over 300 homes flooded across cities like Chiba and Ichihara. An estimated 7,000 people were unable to return home due to road blockages and flooding.

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We will prioritize rescue efforts and cooperate with relevant agencies.

The intense rainfall is attributed to a "linear rainband," a phenomenon where a narrow band of intense clouds concentrates heavy precipitation over a specific area. Three such bands formed between the night of August 13th and the early morning of August 14th, exacerbating the damage. Japan's Meteorological Agency issued its highest level of heavy rain warning, level 5, for some parts of Chiba.

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I have been informed that several people have died in Chiba Prefecture, and there are still missing persons.

This latest disaster follows a series of extreme weather events in Japan, including a magnitude 7.1 earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture last month that killed 39 people and a severe heatwave that led to thousands of emergency medical transports. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed concern on social media, stating the government would work closely with relevant ministries and local authorities to manage the crisis.

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The government will do its utmost to manage the crisis in close cooperation with relevant ministries and local governments.