August 14, 2026 | 10:58 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – At least four people have died in eastern Japan after torrential rain caused widespread flooding, disrupted transportation and left more than 6,000 travelers stranded overnight at Tokyo’s Narita International Airport, authorities said Friday, August 14, 2026.
Parts of Chiba Prefecture, which borders Tokyo, recorded more than 36 centimeters (14 inches) of rain within 24 hours, triggering landslide warnings and power outages affecting nearly 25,000 households.
The downpour struck during one of Japan’s busiest holiday periods, prompting the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) to issue its highest-level heavy rain warning for the region for the first time.
A JMA official said Thursday that the rainfall was “shaping up to be an unprecedented level of heavy rain.”
Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai also described the situation as highly unusual by Japan’s standards.
“This was an extremely unusual situation, even by Japan’s historical weather standards. I have responded to many disasters in the past, but I have never experienced anything like this,” Kumagai told reporters early Friday.
Four Confirmed Dead
The Chiba Prefecture Disaster Management Office confirmed four deaths linked to the flooding.
One victim, believed to be in his 60s or 70s, was found on a flooded road, while a 66-year-old woman was found inside a submerged vehicle. Two other victims were found collapsed in the street, with authorities yet to establish the identity of one of them.
A fifth person was feared dead, while another remained missing, according to AFP.
Japan's Self-Defense Forces were deployed to assist with rescue and relief operations.
Floodwaters submerged several roads across Chiba, with footage showing vehicles partly underwater in Kashiwa.
Thousands Stranded at Narita
More than 6,000 people spent the night at Narita airport after severe weather disrupted rail services connecting the airport with Tokyo.
Many train services remained suspended into Friday afternoon, while hundreds of passengers were also stranded at Chiba Station. Some spent the night at temporary shelters.
Major highways in Chiba, including routes linking Narita with central Tokyo, were also closed, according to highway operator NEXCO East.
Some rail services between Narita and Tokyo resumed Friday morning.
Despite the disruptions, an airport spokesperson said flights were expected to operate as scheduled. Japan Airlines said some delays were possible but did not expect cancellations.
The JMA downgraded the region's highest-level, Level 5 heavy rain warning to Level 4 on Friday morning.
The extreme rainfall comes amid growing concerns over the increasing frequency and intensity of severe weather events linked to human-driven climate change.
China: Typhoon Dolphin Prompts Evacuations, Canceled Flights
3 hari lalu
Typhoon Dolphin disrupts China despite weakening, with nearly 1,500 Shanghai flights canceled and Beijing under flood alerts.
BMKG Forecasts Light Rain in Parts of Jakarta This Afternoon
11 hari lalu
BMKG forecasts light rain in West, East, and South Jakarta on Monday afternoon, while other areas may see cloudy or hazy conditions.
Today's Weather Forecast: Cloudy Skies, Light Rain Expected Across Indonesia
13 hari lalu
BMKG issued an early warning of rain in several Indonesian cities on Saturday, August 1.
Why Rain Falls Despite Strong El Nino, Dry Season
14 hari lalu
BMKG explains why heavy rainfall continues to occur locally across parts of Indonesia despite a severe dry season driven by a strengthening El Nino.
BMKG Warns Pacific Cyclonic Cycle North of Papua to Bring Rain Across Indonesia
23 hari lalu
BMKG said a cyclonic cycle over the Pacific north of Papua could trigger rain cloud growth across parts of Indonesia.
Jakarta Weather Forecast: Clear Skies, Light Rain Possible on Tuesday
24 hari lalu
Meteorology, Climatology, & Geophysics Agency (BMKG) predicts that the weather in Jakarta region will be generally clear and partly cloudy on Tuesday.
BMKG: Cloudy, Drizzly Weather Across Major Cities in Indonesia Today
27 hari lalu
BMKG issued an early warning of potential light, moderate, and heavy rain across Indonesian cities on Saturday.
How Will Tropical Cyclone Bavi Affect Weather in Indonesia?
35 hari lalu
BMKG said Tropical Cyclone Bavi remains active over the North Philippine Sea and is moving northwest, away from Indonesian territory.
Mostly Clear Skies Expected Across Indonesia Today, BMKG Say
38 hari lalu
The BMKG forecasts that clear weather is expected to occur in the cities of Jakarta, Bandar Lampung, Bandung, Banjarbaru, and Gorontalo.
Weather Forecast: Light to Moderate Rain Expected Across Western Indonesia
42 hari lalu
Light rain is expected in most areas of Sumatra, as well as in Palangka Raya and Samarinda.
