Japan: Deadly flooding kills at least eight people as of October 26 /update 2

Event

Torrential rains hit central and eastern Japan on Friday, October 25, and into Saturday, October 26, causing flooding and transportation disruptions. Officials have confirmed eight fatalities as of Saturday morning (local time. The worst hit areas include Chiba and Ibaraki prefectures, where several rivers have flooded and some rail service has been suspended due to mudslides block tracks or evacuation notices issued by the government Flood warnings remain in effect for parts of Chiba, Ibaraki, and Fukushima prefectures as of 10:45 (local time) on Saturday. Associated disruptions to transportation and business services are possible in the coming hours and days.

Context

Rescue and recovery operations are still ongoing following the passage of Typhoon Hagibis as the death toll reaches 86 people as of October 24, with a further eight individuals still missing. Over 72,000 homes were flooded by the storm and another 6500 were destroyed or partially damaged.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, confirm road conditions before setting out, anticipate adverse weather and power and transportation disruptions, and remember that running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) is enough to knock over an adult - and never drive through flooded streets; floodwater may also contain wastewater and chemical products.