Torrential Rain and Flooding Prompt Emergency Warnings Across Japan
Torrential rain has battered wide areas of Japan, triggering emergency flood warnings, disrupting transport and forcing thousands of people to seek shelter as authorities warn of further flooding and landslides.
Nagoya recorded an extraordinary 104.5 millimeters of rain in just one hour, the highest hourly rainfall recorded in the city. The intense downpour overwhelmed drainage systems, flooded roads and left around 200 vehicles stranded.
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its highest Level 5 emergency flood warning for the Shonai River in Aichi and Gifu prefectures on Tuesday. The warning covered 14 municipalities, including Nagoya, before being lifted early Wednesday.
The flooding caused injuries and extensive property damage in Aichi. By Wednesday afternoon, authorities reported 21 people injured in Nagoya and two in Kitanagoya, while dozens of homes had been flooded above or below floor level.
The severe weather also hit Shizuoka, where parts of the prefecture recorded more than 260 millimeters of rain in 24 hours. A landslide at a major access point to Mount Fuji buried three vehicles, although no injuries were reported in that incident.
The danger has not completely passed. Meteorological authorities are warning of continued heavy rain, swollen rivers and landslides across parts of eastern and western Japan, with the possibility of linear rainbands producing concentrated and extremely intense rainfall.
Nagoya, which is preparing to host the 2026 Asian Games from September 19, also temporarily evacuated around 400 athletes and staff because of the flooding. City officials have said the Games remain on schedule despite the weather-related disruption.
Authorities are urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert, avoid flooded roads and underground areas, and move to safer or higher locations if evacuation orders are issued as the threat of further flooding continues.
