Thousands stranded at Japan’s Narita airport after record rains kill four

Record rainfall stranded thousands of travelers at Tokyo’s Narita airport on Friday, after flooding disrupted transport, cut power to homes, and left at least four people dead.

Authorities said rainfall exceeded 360 mm in 24 hours in parts of Chiba Prefecture, neighboring the capital, submerging roads and railways during one of Japan’s busiest holiday weeks.

Officials confirmed four fatalities so far, including a person trapped in a submerged car, while another individual remains missing. Military personnel have been deployed to assist with relief efforts.

Tokyo Electric Power Company reported that more than 22,000 households remained without electricity as of 2:00 a.m. GMT on Friday. In Chiba city, hundreds spent the night in government buildings serving as temporary evacuation centers.

A Narita airport spokesperson said transport disruptions stranded about 7,000 people at the airport, though all flights were expected to operate normally on Friday. Japan Airlines said some flights could be delayed, but no cancellations were anticipated at present.

Some major highways in Chiba were closed, forcing drivers onto alternate routes and causing severe traffic congestion.