Torrential rains in Japan's Chiba kill at least 10, trigger evacuations

Torrential rains and flooding in Japan's Chiba prefecture, east of Tokyo, have killed at least 10 people, with authorities issuing new evacuation orders for landslide risk as precipitation continues Source: elnacionalve. The disaster began Thursday night and continued through Friday, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to issue its highest-level alert (level 5) for 22 cities and towns Source: infobae.

Impact and response

• The city of Chiba recorded 348 liters of rain per square meter in 12 hours, the highest since records began Source: elnacionalve.
• Several victims were trapped in vehicles or underpasses; one man called emergency services but was found dead in a submerged car Source: lavanguardia.
• Around 1,300 homes were flooded, and about 300 buildings were damaged Source: elnacionalve, lavanguardia.
• Thousands were stranded at Narita Airport overnight, with some 7,000 travelers affected Source: lavanguardia.
• More than 400,000 people were ordered to evacuate, and about 26,000 households lost power Source: lavanguardia, emolcl.

Expert analysis and warnings

Professor Ushiyama Motoyuki of Shizuoka University suggested that a combination of river overflow and runoff created sudden water accumulation on a road with a slight slope, enough to displace vehicles. He warned that such subtle gradients can be overlooked during heavy rain Source: infobae.

Governor Toshihito Kumagai called the rains "extremely unusual" and said, "We will prioritize saving lives and continue rescue and recovery efforts" Source: lavozar. The alert was later downgraded to level 4, but officials stressed that landslide and flood risks remain high Source: elmundoes.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi expressed condolences and pledged the government's "all efforts" to crisis management Source: lavanguardia. The heavy rains are part of a broader pattern of extreme weather across Asia, which has killed more than 50 people this month Source: elmundoes.