FUKUSHIMA - A woman in her 60s died after her car was submerged in a flooded underpass in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, as record rainfall caused widespread flooding, landslides and transport disruption across Kanto and surrounding areas on September 7, with authorities warning that further rain was expected during the evening commute.
In Kujukuri, Chiba Prefecture, water covered roadside areas by shortly after 2 p.m., reaching around ankle height in some places and becoming so deep farther ahead that the bottom could no longer be seen.
Rain intensified again across Chiba Prefecture in the afternoon, prompting Level 4 heavy rain danger warnings in Kamogawa and Minamiboso.
Heavy rain also reduced visibility on an expressway between Kisarazu and Futtsu, with conditions becoming so severe that the road ahead appeared white through the rainfall.
In Niijima Village and on Izu Oshima in Tokyo's Izu Islands, authorities issued a Level 5 special landslide disaster warning, while emergency safety measures were ordered for more than 10,000 people.
Rough seas sent whitecaps toward the coast, while water poured down mountain slopes in torrents resembling waterfalls.
Niijima Village recorded 485 millimeters of rain in the 24 hours through 9:40 a.m., the highest level since observations began.
Oshima Town on Izu Oshima recorded 581.5 millimeters in the 24 hours through 2:30 p.m., setting a new September record.
The record-breaking rain had continued across many areas since before dawn.
In Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, rain repeatedly strengthened and weakened shortly after 2 a.m.
Heavy rain was falling in Chiba City at around the same time, with water visibly streaming across asphalt roads.
At around 4 a.m., a Level 4 heavy rain danger warning was issued, while an underpass where a fatal flooding incident occurred during the Chiba torrential rains in August was closed to traffic as a precaution.
In Narita, accumulated rainwater was seen pouring from a train like a waterfall as it began moving.
Heavy rain also struck Tokyo.
In Adachi Ward at around 3:30 a.m., large raindrops were illuminated by streetlights as they pounded the roadway.
The Zenpukuji River in Suginami Ward temporarily rose to dangerous levels, prompting a Level 4 flood danger warning.
Residents in nearby neighborhoods placed sandbags around entrances and other vulnerable areas to protect homes from possible flooding.
The heavy rain continued into the morning commuting and school travel period.
At Shinjuku Station at around 5:30 a.m., one commuter said, "I'm wearing sandals right now, but my feet got completely soaked. It was pretty bad."
Around JR Kichijoji Station, sandbags were placed at store entrances to prevent water from entering buildings.
At JR Akabane Station in Kita Ward, large numbers of passengers gathered below stairways leading to platforms as entry restrictions appeared to be in place.
Saikyo Line services were also disrupted, with delays of around 10 minutes reported.
At JR Kohoku Station in Abiko, Chiba Prefecture, a notice posted near the ticket gates said services between Narita and Abiko were suspended and that there was no estimate for resumption.
Tape marked "No Entry" was stretched across stairs leading down to the platform, leaving the station largely deserted.
One passenger who came to check the service board said, "I was planning to go to Abiko Station, but because the rain fell overnight, I hadn't checked any train information at all. I came here and was surprised."
Rain showed little sign of easing in Tokyo during the afternoon.
Heavy rain continued in Ota Ward, vehicles sent up large sprays of water in Adachi Ward, and torrential rain persisted in Chuo Ward, which includes Ginza.
In Oamishirasato, Chiba Prefecture, which suffered extensive flooding during the August torrential rain disaster, rice plants nearing harvest were submerged.
Vehicles were seen turning back from flooded roads, while others drove into standing water and sent up large splashes. Several vehicles later managed to pass through the flooded area without stopping.
A nearby resident said, "This may really be the worst we've ever seen. The area usually floods, but the flooded section is much wider this time, starting much farther back. It could be difficult for everyone."
A convenience store parking lot was also extensively flooded, leaving one vehicle stranded.
Road flooding was reported in Sakura, while in Sammu, water overflowing from a river spread across nearby roads.
A local volunteer firefighter said around eight homes had suffered flooding either below or above floor level.
"The water level in the Minamigawa River ahead of here rose and overflowed, flooding roads and causing water to get under or above the floors of homes," the firefighter said.
Two people were injured in Chiba Prefecture after slipping and falling during the heavy rain.
Flooding was also widespread in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture, after intense rain fell over a short period.
Rainfall peaked between around 6 a.m. and 8 a.m., with Onahama in Iwaki recording 34.5 millimeters in the hour through shortly after 7 a.m.
An underpass in the city flooded, leaving two vehicles inundated.
One of the vehicles became submerged, and a woman in her 60s was taken to a hospital unconscious. She was later confirmed dead.
Jiro Komori, a professor at Teikyo Heisei University specializing in terrain and disaster risks, said the incident may have been caused by inland flooding, in which drainage systems are unable to cope with the volume of rainwater.
"Underpasses normally have drains at their lowest point, and because they are low-lying, water is probably pumped out continuously," Komori said. "One thing we can say with certainty is that the drainage simply could not keep up."
Rainwater was also seen overflowing from drainage channels that normally carry water toward rivers.
Rain was forecast to continue across Kanto during the evening commute.
Komori warned drivers not to attempt to pass through flooded underpasses.
"When drainage cannot keep up in places such as underpasses, inland flooding occurs," he said. "Do not gamble by trying to drive through. Take a detour or wait until the water recedes."
Elsewhere, landslide debris covered a roadway in Yachiyo, Chiba Prefecture.
In Minobu, Yamanashi Prefecture, a large tree fell across a road, prompting emergency removal work.
A near-term forecast for the possible formation of a linear rainband was also issued for the northern Izu Islands, with authorities continuing to urge caution against further heavy rain.
Source: FNN
