Record Rainfall Leaves Thousands Stranded at Tokyo’s Narita Airport

August 14, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

About 7,000 travellers were stranded at Tokyo’s Narita airport after record rainfall flooded transport networks in neighbouring Chiba prefecture, while authorities confirmed four deaths and deployed soldiers to support relief operations.

The disruption came as more than 360 millimetres of rain fell in parts of Chiba within 24 hours, inundating roads and railway lines during one of Japan’s busiest holiday weeks. Major highways were also closed, forcing motorists onto alternative routes and creating heavy traffic.

The flooding caused widespread disruption to daily life, with more than 22,000 households still without electricity in Chiba at 11am on Friday, according to Tokyo Electric Power. Hundreds of people in Chiba city spent the night at government buildings converted into temporary evacuation centres.

Authorities said four people had died, including one who was trapped inside a submerged vehicle. One other person was reported missing as emergency and relief operations continued.

Narita airport was among the areas affected by the transport disruption. An airport spokesperson said about 7,000 people were stranded, although flights were expected to operate normally on Friday. Japan Airlines said some services could face delays but that no cancellations were expected at the time.

The scale of the rainfall overwhelmed transport infrastructure in parts of Chiba, a prefecture adjoining Tokyo. The disruption has affected commuters and holiday travellers during a period when movement across Japan typically increases sharply.

Soldiers have been sent into the affected areas to assist with relief efforts as authorities continue responding to the flooding and assessing its impact.

Source: FSX Business News