At least 41 people sustained minor injuries after record-breaking rainfall swept through Nagoya and other parts of central Japan, causing widespread flooding, disrupting transportation networks and forcing thousands of residents to seek emergency shelter.
The severe weather, which struck the Tokai region on Tuesday, was triggered by a powerful linear rainband that unleashed intense and persistent rainfall across the area. The heavy downpour inundated major roads, submerged railway tracks and caused significant disruption to public transportation, leaving commuters, students and other residents stranded for hours.
According to local reports, the extreme weather conditions created chaos across Nagoya, one of Japan's major urban centres, as authorities struggled to respond to the flooding and its widespread impact. By Tuesday evening, approximately 1,600 people had taken refuge at evacuation centres established to provide temporary shelter for residents affected by the disaster.
Local authorities also reported that at least 200 vehicles had been damaged by early Wednesday as floodwaters swept through streets and residential areas. The flooding caused considerable hardship for residents, particularly those travelling when the rainstorm intensified.
Many commuters and students were forced to spend the night away from their homes after train and subway services were either suspended or severely disrupted. Railway tracks and transportation routes were affected by the flooding, making it difficult for thousands of people to continue their journeys safely.
The situation became increasingly alarming when the Japan Meteorological Agency issued its highest Level 5 emergency flood warning on Tuesday for the Shonai River, which flows through Aichi Prefecture and neighbouring Gifu Prefecture.
Water levels in the river rose significantly following the intense rainfall, raising fears of serious flooding in communities located along its banks. Residents in vulnerable areas were urged to take immediate precautions and follow evacuation instructions issued by local authorities.
Emergency officials and disaster response agencies remained on high alert as the effects of the heavy rainfall continued to spread. Authorities announced emergency relief measures in Nagoya to assist residents affected by the flooding and provide support to those displaced from their homes.
Reports indicated that rain clouds had also developed over the Tokai and Shikoku regions, producing exceptionally heavy downpours in several locations. Meteorological experts warned that the dangerous weather conditions could persist, increasing concerns about further flooding and landslides.
The Japan Meteorological Agency warned on Wednesday that heavy rainfall could continue across large parts of the country through Thursday as an active weather front stretches along Japan's Pacific coast.
Forecasters predicted that the Tokai and Kinki regions could receive up to 200 millimetres, or approximately 7.9 inches, of rainfall during the 24-hour period leading up to Thursday morning. Shikoku was expected to receive up to 150 millimetres of rain, while the Kanto-Koshin region, including the Japanese capital Tokyo, could experience up to 120 millimetres.
Authorities warned residents in affected areas to remain vigilant, stressing that even relatively small amounts of additional rainfall could trigger fresh disasters because the ground in many locations was already saturated.
The continued rainfall could lead to landslides, overflowing rivers and further flooding in communities that have already suffered significant damage. Residents living near rivers, mountains and other high-risk areas have been advised to closely monitor weather updates and comply with emergency instructions.
As Japan braces for additional rainfall, emergency agencies are continuing relief and monitoring operations, while residents remain hopeful that the severe weather will subside before causing further destruction and displacement.
