Nagoya hit by record rainfall causing floods and landslides

Record-breaking rainfall hit central Japan on September 8, causing severe flooding and landslides across the Tokai region. Nagoya recorded a staggering 104.5 millimeters of rain in a single hour, the highest hourly total on record for the city. The extreme weather caused the Ueda River to overflow its banks and resulted in water erupting from city manholes.

The storm led to at least one death from a landslide in Kawanehoncho and dozens of injuries. In Nagoya, approximately 3,500 people sought refuge in emergency shelters, and about 400 Asian Games athletes and staff were moved to higher ground. Flooding inundated homes, damaged roads, and left hundreds of vehicles stranded.

Transportation was heavily disrupted, with subway, rail, and bus services suspended. Data analysis of human movement showed significant congestion and large numbers of people stranded in central areas like Sakae and Nagoya Station during the peak of the storm. While major 2026 Asian Games venues reported no significant damage, the Japan Meteorological Agency warned that additional heavy rain could continue in the region.