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Widespread Flooding Hits Chiba Prefecture
Developing
In Short: Unprecedented torrential rainfall from severe thunderstorms causes flooding, leaving at least eight dead in Japan.
Unprecedented torrential rainfall, brought by warm, humid air combining with cold air above, has caused widespread flooding in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, according to the country's Meteorological Agency. Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai described the situation as 'extremely unusual, even by Japan's historical weather standards.
At least eight people have died due to the flooding, as reported by public broadcaster NHK, Kyodo news agency, and Asahi newspaper. A woman in Ichikawa city told NHK that the rain 'happened all of a sudden so it was a complete surprise.
Flag carrier Japan Airlines has stated that some of its flights may be delayed but does not expect any cancellations due to the weather conditions. The unusual nature of the storm highlights the unpredictable and severe weather patterns affecting the region.
Background
Japan is an island country in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean off the northeast coast of the Asian mainland, it is bordered to the west by the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk in the north, and the East China Sea in the south.
What's confirmed
What's still developing
- Japan's Meteorological Agency said the most recent deluge was brought by warm, humid air flowing into the country's east that combined with cold air above to make atmospheric conditions extremely unstable.
- "This case was an extremely unusual situation, even by Japan's historical weather standards," Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai told reporters on Friday morning.
- At least eight people have died, according to reports from public broadcaster NHK, Kyodo news agency and Asahi newspaper.
- Flag carrier Japan Airlines said some of its flights may be delayed but that it does not expect any cancellations.
- A woman in Chiba's Ichikawa city told NHK the rain "happened all of a sudden so it was a complete surprise".