Japan's record rains strand thousands at Narita airport; kill eight

Record rainfall in Japan stranded thousands of travellers at Tokyo's Narita airport on Friday, bringing floods to the surrounding area.

The flooding disrupted transport, knocked out power to 20,000 homes and killed eight people in the Chiba area adjoining Tokyo.

How much rain fell in Chiba, Japan?

More than 360 mm, or 14 inches, of rain fell in 24 hours in parts of Chiba during one of Japan's busiest holiday weeks. Weather authorities confirmed the 367 mm total exceeded the previous 24-hour record of 309 mm, set in October 2013. The downpour inundated roads and railways, prompting soldiers to assist with rescue efforts.

Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai called it an extremely unusual situation. "I have responded to many disasters in the past, but I have never experienced a case like this," he told reporters. The eight dead included one person trapped in a submerged vehicle, public broadcaster NHK reported, citing Chiba authorities and police.

How many people were stranded at Narita airport?

Transport disruptions stranded about 7,000 people at Narita, causing widespread chaos on Thursday. Airport staff distributed sleeping bags, water and snacks to hundreds of passengers, many of whom bedded down overnight. Minoru Yamasaki, a 48 year old Chiba resident returning from holiday, said he queued four hours for a taxi before his booked hotel turned him away, forcing him back to the airport.

An airport spokesperson said most flights were expected to operate normally on Friday. Several rail services were suspended that day, though some Narita to Tokyo services resumed, easing congestion at the international transport hub.

What damage did the flooding cause in Chiba?

More than 20,000 homes lost power in the early hours of Friday after rain flooded a substation, utility Tokyo Electric Power said. Gas supply to nearly 13,000 homes was also temporarily cut. In Chiba city, one of the worst hit areas, hundreds of people spent the night under foil blankets at makeshift evacuation centres in government buildings.

Some major highways in Chiba were shut, forcing drivers onto alternative routes that clogged traffic, according to highway operator NEXCO East. The combination of blocked roads and suspended rail lines left many residents and travellers with few options to reach home or shelter.