Record rain in Japan kills four, leaves thousands stranded at Narita airport

Torrential downpours, described as an "extremely unusual situation" even by Japan's historical weather standards, have inundated parts of Japan, leaving thousands stranded and claiming at least four lives. The record rainfall, which saw over 360 millimeters fall in 24 hours in parts of Chiba prefecture, triggered landslide warnings and power outages.

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This case was an extremely unusual situation, even by Japan's historical weather standards.

Tokyo's Narita airport became a temporary refuge for around 7,000 travelers as transport links were severed. While flights are scheduled to operate normally on Friday, Japan Airlines noted potential delays. Airport staff reportedly distributed free water, food, and sleeping bags to those stranded overnight.

"I never thought I'd spend the night at the airport but it is what it is and we are learning," one stranded traveler told NHK. "We're never going to forget this trip," he added.

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I have responded to many disasters in the past, but I have never experienced a case like this.

Major highways, including those connecting Narita to Tokyo, remained closed, causing heavy traffic. Several rail services were suspended, leaving hundreds stranded at Chiba station as well. Soldiers have been deployed to assist with relief efforts in the affected prefectures of Chiba, Ibaraki, and Tochigi, where approximately 27,000 households were without power.

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This is shaping up to be an unprecedented level of heavy rain.

Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai expressed the unprecedented nature of the event, stating, "I have responded to many disasters in the past, but I have never experienced a case like this." Forecasters issued the highest-level heavy rain warning for Chiba, a measure not previously taken. Scientists note that human-driven climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events.

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I never thought I'd spend the night at the airport but it is what it is and we are learning.