Tragedy in Japan: Heavy flooding leaves four dead in Chiba
Chiba Prefecture, located in eastern Japan and in the vicinity of Tokyo, is going through critical moments following the impact of extreme rainfall that has caused devastating flooding. According to official reports issued this Friday, the weather phenomenon has left a tragic toll of four people dead and at least one seriously injured.
Among the fatalities confirmed by local authorities is a man approximately 60 years old, found on a flooded public road, and a 66-year-old woman who became trapped inside her vehicle after being caught by rising floodwaters. Additionally, authorities are continuing the search for one person reported missing.
Evacuations and state of emergency
The magnitude of the disaster forced authorities to issue mass evacuation orders that reached more than 400,000 citizens. Although the situation has allowed many to return to their homes, thousands of people remain displaced. Current data indicate that nearly 7,359 people are sheltered in the 359 municipal shelters set up in the prefecture.
- Historical record: The city of Chiba recorded 348 millimeters of rain in a 12-hour period, an unprecedented figure since meteorological records began in the area.
- Persistent risk: Although the landslide alert level has been reduced from 5 to 4, the danger of further flooding and landslides remains high.
There are many areas where the ground is quite unstable, which poses risks, including landslides.
Toshihito Kumagai, Governor of Chiba Prefecture.
This weather event in eastern Japan adds to a streak of adverse weather conditions that have affected various Asian nations during this month, including China, India, the Philippines, and Burma, where more than 50 deaths have been reported due to cyclones and torrential rains.
