Thousands are stranded at Narita Airport in Japan as record rainfall has resulted in four fatalities
Record rainfall has caused severe flooding in Japan’s Chiba prefecture, resulting in 7,000 travelers being stranded at Narita airport and leading to the tragic loss of four lives.
An aerial view of flooded regions following intense rainfall in Oamishirasato, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, on August 14, 2026. Kyodo, as reported by REUTERS
Heavy rainfall caused significant disruption at Tokyo’s Narita airport on Friday, leaving thousands of travelers stranded. The flooding affected transportation, resulted in power outages for homes, and tragically claimed the lives of at least four individuals.
Over 360 millimeters of rain poured down in certain areas of Chiba prefecture, adjacent to Tokyo, causing significant flooding of roads and railroads during one of Japan’s peak holiday weeks.
Authorities confirmed that four individuals have lost their lives, including one person who was trapped inside a submerged vehicle. Another individual is still unaccounted for.
Soldiers have been sent to the impacted regions to aid in relief efforts.
“This case was a highly unusual situation,” Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai informed reporters on Friday morning. “I have encountered numerous disasters in my past experiences, yet I have never faced a situation quite like this.”
As of 11:00 a.m. on Friday, over 22,000 households were still without power, as reported by utility provider Tokyo Electric Power.
Chiba City experienced significant devastation, with numerous individuals seeking refuge under foil blankets in government buildings designated as temporary evacuation centers for the night.
The flooding disrupted transport to Narita Airport, leaving approximately 7,000 people stranded, according to an airport spokesperson.
All flights are set to operate as usual on Friday. Japan Airlines announced that while some flights may experience delays,it does not anticipate any cancellationsd.
Several major highways in Chiba were closed, compelling drivers to seek alternative routes and resulting in significant traffic congestion, according to highway operator NEXCO East.
On Friday morning, several rail services continued to be suspended, though some trains linking Narita with Tokyo had resumed operations.
The partial restoration alleviated congestion at the international transport hub.
Hundreds of passengers spent the night inside the airport terminal, as staff provided blankets, water, and snacks, according to footage from public broadcaster NHK.
An American traveler stuck at the airport with his family told NHK, “This trip will always stay with us.”
