Unprecedented rainfall has caused widespread flooding and severe transportation disruptions across parts of Japan’s Chiba Prefecture, leaving thousands of travelers stranded at Narita International Airport near Tokyo.
More than 360 millimeters of rain fell within 24 hours in some areas of Chiba, which borders Tokyo. The torrential downpour flooded roads and railway lines during one of Japan’s busiest holiday travel periods.
Heavy rain began on Thursday, August 6, and continued to disrupt transportation and daily activities across the region.
Thousands of Travelers Stranded at Narita Airport
The flooding and transportation disruptions left around 7,000 people stranded at Narita Airport, according to an airport spokesperson.
Despite the disruption, airport authorities said all scheduled flights were expected to operate normally on Friday.
Japan Airlines also warned passengers that some flights could face delays, although no widespread cancellations were expected at the time.
The situation has created major challenges for travelers trying to reach or leave the airport, particularly as several railway services and major roads remained affected by flooding.
Chiba Governor Calls the Situation Unprecedented
Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai described the extreme weather as highly unusual in comments to Reuters on Friday, August 14, 2026.
“This is a very unusual situation,” Kumagai said.
The governor added that he had dealt with numerous natural disasters in the past but had never experienced an event of this scale.
The record rainfall has caused significant damage in several parts of Chiba, with flooding affecting roads, railway lines, residential areas, and public infrastructure.
More Than 22,000 Households Without Power
The extreme weather also caused widespread power outages across the region.
More than 22,000 households remained without electricity as of 11 a.m. local time on Friday, according to Tokyo Electric Power Company.
Chiba City was among the areas hardest hit by the flooding. Hundreds of residents spent the night at temporary evacuation centers set up in government buildings.
Some evacuees were provided with emergency supplies and foil blankets as authorities worked to respond to the worsening conditions.
Major Roads and Train Services Disrupted
Flooding also forced the closure of several major highways in Chiba. According to highway operator NEXCO East, drivers were forced to take alternative routes, resulting in severe traffic congestion across affected areas.
Railway services were also disrupted on Friday morning, with several routes remaining suspended. However, some train services connecting Narita and Tokyo had resumed, helping ease congestion around the international airport.
The disruption was particularly challenging for travelers because Narita Airport serves as one of Japan’s major international transportation hubs.
Travelers Spend the Night Inside Narita Airport
Hundreds of stranded passengers remained inside Narita Airport overnight as transportation services were disrupted. According to footage broadcast by Japan’s public broadcaster NHK, airport staff distributed blankets, bottled water, and snacks to passengers waiting inside the terminal.
Many travelers eventually slept in different areas of the airport while waiting for transportation services to resume. One American traveler stranded at the airport with his family described the experience as something they would never forget.
“We will never forget this trip,” the traveler told NHK.
The heavy rainfall and flooding have created a difficult situation for residents and travelers across Chiba, while authorities continue to monitor weather conditions and work to restore transportation and essential services.
