Record-breaking torrential rains hit eastern Japan on Thursday, flooding roads and homes, paralyzing transportation and causing power outages in tens of thousands of homes near Tokyo, officials said. At least one person was found dead, reports UNN, citing AP.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its highest-level warning for heavy rains in 14 municipalities in Chiba Prefecture, warning residents of floods and landslides.
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency said one person was found dead in Ichikawa, while two people who were trapped in a flooded vehicle were rescued in neighboring Kashiwa. Their condition is unknown.
Footage shown on NHK News showed pedestrians near Ichikawa railway station wading through knee-deep water, while cars became stranded on flooded roads elsewhere. The operation of some trains in the area was suspended.
According to NHK, record rainfall exceeding 100 millimeters (4 inches) in just one hour was forecast for Chiba and a number of other nearby cities on Thursday evening. According to the agency, nearly 220,000 residents in the area were advised to seek shelter in safer locations.
Takuya Hosomi, an official with the Japan Meteorological Agency, said at a televised press conference on the emergency that an unprecedented amount of rainfall had been recorded.
Heavy rains hit northeastern Japan the day after a tropical storm struck at least seven people, brought down trees and caused widespread power outages.