Record-breaking heavy rainfall across Chiba Prefecture from 13/8 triggered widespread flooding, causing significant damage to roads and train stations and claiming the lives of at least three people trapped in their vehicles. The deluge left numerous drivers stranded in their cars amid surging floodwaters, prompting rescue teams and local residents to launch intensive efforts. Many who could not return home spent a challenging night at the prefectural government headquarters, airport terminals, or on train carriages.
On the afternoon of 13/8, in the Yawata ward of Kashiwa City, two individuals were rescued from a small car submerged on a flooded street. One of the victims, who had suffered respiratory-circulatory arrest, was rushed to the hospital but did not survive.
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A Honda and a Toyota halted mid-road, unable to proceed. Photo: Jy09gami3
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The interior of a Subaru car submerged in water. Photo: rbktm
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A car lying sideways in a tunnel in Kamagaya City, Chiba Prefecture, on the morning of 14/8. Photo: Jiji
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Cars scattered on a road near Chiba station. Photo: iicozyii
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Two cars stranded in a flooded area in Oamishirasato, Chiba Prefecture. Photo: Sankei
A 66-year-old man living nearby, who participated in the rescue, recounted the events. Around 5:30 p.m. that day, he left his home to check the heavy rain when he spotted a car accelerating towards a flooded section of road dozens of meters away. "Don't go that way!" he shouted, but the car did not stop. The vehicle appeared to have plunged into a drainage ditch and slowly submerged, with water rising above its roof.
Realizing that emergency rescue lines were overloaded and help would be delayed, the man decided to act immediately. He plunged into the head-deep water, swimming towards the submerged car. Using an iron rod, he smashed the rear window and reached inside. Upon confirming he touched a person's hand, he immediately grabbed it and pulled an elderly man out.
The victim turned out to be an acquaintance. When asked, "Is your wife home?", the elderly man replied, "She is still in the car." With a hammer provided by surrounding residents, the man further widened the window opening to pull the woman out. However, she had already suffered cardiac arrest.
In Sakura City, a submerged car was found in a rice field, and a 66-year-old woman was found dead, according to TBS.
In Chuo ward, Chiba City, a car submerged in an underpass, trapping a man who was later confirmed deceased. The victim was approximately 40 years old.
Elsewhere, residents recorded scenes of several cars completely submerged, with emergency lights flashing, or other vehicles in similar flooded conditions, their wipers continuously moving.
At Narita Airport, thousands of passengers were stranded and forced to sleep on benches or directly on the floor. Approximately 4,000 people were also stuck at JR Soga station.
My Anh
