Tokyo (Japan), Aug. 14 (LaPresse/AP) — The death toll from record-breaking rains that caused flooding in several cities east of Tokyo, in Chiba Prefecture, has risen to at least 5, with more than 30 people injured. Local authorities reported this, adding that one person is still missing. As the intensity of the rains has decreased, the Japan Meteorological Agency has lowered the heavy rain alert level in more than a dozen municipalities in Chiba Prefecture, though it forecasts further rainfall throughout Friday. On Thursday, the prefecture recorded unprecedented rainfall levels, with 1.5 centimeters falling in just one hour in Chiba City and 9.7 centimeters falling in one hour in Sakura City, the agency reported. Photos and television footage showed widespread damage, with homes, cars, and sections of railroad tracks flooded with muddy water. Roads and dozens of homes were also flooded, and some areas were left without power.
Japan: Torrential Rains Near Tokyo; Death Toll Rises to 5, 30 Injured
Tokyo (Japan), Aug. 14 (LaPresse/AP) — The death toll from record-breaking rains that caused flooding in several cities east of Tokyo, in Chiba Prefecture, has risen to at least 5, with more than 30 people injured. Local authorities reported this, adding that one person is still missing. As the intensity of the rains has decreased, the Japan Meteorological Agency has lowered the heavy rain alert level in more than a dozen municipalities in Chiba Prefecture, though it forecasts further rainfall throughout Friday. On Thursday, the prefecture recorded unprecedented rainfall levels, with 1.5 centimeters falling in just one hour in Chiba City and 9.7 centimeters falling in one hour in Sakura City, the agency reported. Photos and television footage showed widespread damage, with homes, cars, and sections of railroad tracks flooded with muddy water. Roads and dozens of homes were also flooded, and some areas were left without power.