Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) is assessing the damage caused by record rainfall that hit Mie Prefecture in central Japan last week. Among the damage, nearly 300 cars were damaged or completely flooded when water poured into an underground parking garage.

The two-story Kusunoki parking garage, located in the center of Yokkaichi city, has a capacity of approximately 500 vehicles. The heavy rain on 13/9 completely submerged the lower level, while the upper level was flooded up to 1 meter deep at one point.

Two of the 274 damaged, flooded cars. Photo: Jiji

Two of the 274 damaged, flooded cars. Photo: Jiji

Water was pumped out of the lower level on 16/9, after the upper level was drained on 14/9. 160 vehicles on the upper level and 114 vehicles on the lower level were damaged. Fortunately, there were no injuries.

My Anh (NHK)