Japan Issues Highest-Level Rain Warning as Nagoya Faces Severe Flooding
Japan is facing continued disruption from torrential rain, with Nagoya providing emergency relief across the city after record rainfall left commuters and students stranded and disrupted transport in the Tokai region. Around 1,600 people were staying at evacuation centres as of Tuesday evening, while about 200 vehicles had been damaged by early Wednesday, according to local authorities.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) had issued its highest Level 5 heavy-rain warning for areas along the Shonai River in Aichi and Gifu prefectures, covering 14 cities and towns, including Nagoya. Residents were advised to move to the safest available location, including higher ground or the second floor or above of a building.
Nagoya recorded a record 104.5 mm of rain in one hour through 4:53 pm on Tuesday. Flooding affected underpasses and other low-lying areas, while authorities warned residents against remaining in underground shopping areas, parking facilities and other locations where drainage systems could be overwhelmed. Some people were forced to abandon vehicles in flooded areas, although authorities said no one was trapped.
The rain also disrupted travel around Nagoya Station, with some commuters unable to return home and spending the night at temporary locations. The wider weather system continues to pose a risk, with the JMA warning that heavy rain could persist across parts of Japan through Thursday.
The agency has forecast up to 200 mm of rain in the Tokai and Kinki regions in the 24 hours through Thursday morning, with further rainfall expected in Shikoku, Kanto-Koshin, Hokuriku and Tohoku. Residents have been urged to remain alert to flooding, rising river levels and landslides, particularly in areas where the ground has already been saturated by heavy rain.
