Extreme weather has struck Japan, claiming at least four lives and leaving thousands stranded at Tokyo’s Narita airport. The heavy rain, described as unprecedented by authorities, has caused widespread disruptions, with 400,000 people issued evacuation orders in Chiba prefecture and other areas.

The torrential downpour hit Chiba, east of Tokyo, overnight, triggering landslide warnings and power outages. About 45,000 homes lost electricity, and the storm cut power to more than 20,000 households. The rain, which eased slightly on Friday morning, has left nearly 7,000 people stranded at Narita airport, forcing thousands to take refuge in government buildings.

Evacuation efforts under way

As the full extent of the damage becomes clear, evacuation orders remain in place for the affected regions. Emergency services are working tirelessly to assist those stranded, with rescue teams on the ground and aid being distributed to those in need. The storm, which is showing no signs of abating, has prompted authorities to issue the highest-level rain warning for the first time, underscoring the severity of the situation.

Back-to-back weather disasters

This is the latest in a series of extreme weather events to hit Japan, following a string of powerful typhoons and heatwaves. In recent years, the country has been increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns. The Japanese government has been working to address these concerns, investing in flood protection measures and promoting sustainable land use practices. However, the effects of these measures are yet to be fully felt, and the country remains at the forefront of the battle against the impacts of climate change.