TOKYO, Japan — Record rainfall in Japan’s Chiba prefecture caused severe flooding, disrupted roads and rail services, knocked out power and left around 7,000 travellers stranded at Tokyo’s Narita airport on Friday, August 14, 2026. Authorities said at least four people had died, while soldiers were deployed to support relief operations.
- About 7,000 travellers were stranded at Narita airport.
- More than 360 millimetres of rain fell in parts of Chiba within 24 hours.
- At least four people were confirmed dead following flooding.
- Road and rail closures caused major transport disruption around Narita and Tokyo.
Record rainfall triggers widespread flooding
Parts of Chiba, which borders Tokyo, received more than 360 millimetres of rain over a 24-hour period. The exceptional rainfall inundated roads and railway lines and caused power outages affecting nearly 25,000 households, according to the Reuters report.
The intensity of the rainfall prompted authorities to launch emergency response measures across affected areas. Soldiers were sent to assist with relief operations as flooding created dangerous conditions in communities surrounding the capital.
Narita airport passengers stranded
The flooding caused major problems for travellers using Narita airport, one of Japan’s principal international aviation hubs. An airport spokesperson said approximately 7,000 people were stranded because road and rail connections were disrupted.
Despite the transport problems, the airport said flights were scheduled to operate normally on Friday. Japan Airlines also said some flights could face delays, although no cancellations were expected at the time of the report.
Highways and trains disrupted by flooding
Several major highways in Chiba remained closed, including routes connecting Narita airport with central Tokyo. NEXCO East, the highway operator, said the closures forced motorists onto alternative routes and resulted in heavy traffic.
Rail services were also affected. Several lines remained suspended on Friday morning, although some trains connecting Narita with Tokyo had resumed operations as authorities worked to restore transport links.
Four deaths confirmed as rescue efforts continue
Authorities confirmed at least four deaths following the flooding. One of the reported fatalities involved a person who became trapped inside a submerged vehicle.
The deaths underscored the seriousness of the rainfall, which Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai described as highly unusual even by Japan’s historical weather standards.
“This case was an extremely unusual situation, even by Japan’s historical weather standards.”
Kumagai said he had responded to numerous disasters in the past but had never experienced a situation like the current one.
Power outages add to disruption
The heavy rain also damaged the region’s power infrastructure. Nearly 25,000 households were without electricity according to the figures cited by Reuters, adding another layer of difficulty for communities dealing with flooded roads and interrupted transportation.
The disruption occurred during one of Japan’s busiest holiday periods, increasing the impact on travellers moving through the Narita transport network.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Narita airport flights operating?
According to the airport spokesperson cited by Reuters, flights were scheduled to operate normally on August 14. Japan Airlines warned that some flights could experience delays, while cancellations were not expected at the time of the report.
Why were so many passengers stranded at Narita airport?
The main problem was not the airport’s flight schedule but the severe disruption to surrounding transportation. Highway closures and suspended rail services made it difficult for thousands of travellers to leave or reach the airport.
What happens next
Authorities are continuing relief operations while transport services gradually recover. Road and railway conditions remain important factors for travellers because connections between Narita and central Tokyo have been affected by the flooding.
The immediate priority is restoring transport and power while supporting communities affected by the exceptional rainfall. Further changes to airport and railway operations will depend on conditions across Chiba.
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