Record-breaking rainfall has triggered severe flooding in Chiba prefecture, east of Tokyo. At least five people are confirmed dead, with one person reported missing as of Friday morning.
Local authorities report that intense rain, reaching over 9 centimeters in a single hour in parts of the region, overwhelmed sewer systems and flooded residential areas. Muddy water submerged cars, blocked railway tracks, and damaged dozens of homes across multiple municipalities.
Emergency response efforts are underway, with the Ground Self-Defense Force assisting in the evacuation and transport of thousands of individuals stranded at local transit hubs like Soga station. Power outages continue to affect thousands of residents, though restoration efforts are in progress.
While the Japan Meteorological Agency has downgraded its most severe weather warnings as the rain subsides, the agency advises residents to remain cautious as more precipitation is expected later today. This event follows a period of extreme weather in the region, emphasizing the impact of sudden, high-intensity rain on urban infrastructure.