Heavy rain and flooding in Japan

Heavy rainfall and flooding have impacted multiple regions across Japan. In the Ishikawa and Niigata prefectures, intense downpours and high tides caused road and farmland inundation, leading to transportation disruptions such as the suspension of JR Nanao Line services. In Niigata City, officials have emphasized disaster preparedness and drainage improvements following previous flooding. Subsequently, unprecedented torrential rainfall in eastern Japan caused severe flooding and fatalities in Chiba Prefecture. The death toll has risen to at least nine people, with one person reported missing. The extreme weather, described by officials as “unprecedented,” saw Chiba record over 300mm of rain in 24 hours, marking its wettest August in 60 years. This deluge triggered the highest-level heavy rain warning for Chiba for the first time. The flooding has caused widespread destruction, with more than 1,000 homes inundated and dozens of buildings partially or fully destroyed. Approximately 20,000 households have lost power, and authorities are managing hundreds of evacuees in local shelters. Infrastructure damage is significant, including an estimated 1,200 vehicles abandoned on flooded roads. Transportation remains heavily disrupted, with thousands of travelers stranded at Narita International Airport and various rail and road services affected. In Chiba City, investigations are underway following a fatal flooding incident at an underpass after a drainage pump and an emergency generator failed to operate. Authorities are continuing search and recovery operations as they assess the full extent of the damage in severely hit areas. In Ishikawa Prefecture, recent heavy rains have caused extensive damage, with 574 homes affected by flooding, particularly in Hakui City. Agricultural impacts include the submersion of approximately 110 hectares of rice paddies. Infrastructure damage has been reported through levee breaches at the Iiyama and Kanemaru rivers and the collapse of a stone wall in Kanazawa City.