Japan orders mass evacuation after record rainfall kills five

Heavy rain in Japan's Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo, has left five people dead and one missing, with authorities ordering more than 120,000 residents to evacuate as record rainfall caused widespread flooding.

Dozens of buildings were inundated, and four people suffered minor injuries. Another person was reported to be in cardiac arrest, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The heavy rain began on the evening of August 13, with record rainfall recorded across several parts of Chiba.

In Chiba City, 360 millimetres of rain fell over a 12-hour period, the highest level recorded since observations began and around three times the average monthly rainfall for August.

Japan's Meteorological Agency lowered its highest-level warning for heavy rain and landslides to level four or lower in different municipalities on the morning of August 14.

Several vehicles became stranded on flooded roads in Ichikawa, while public transport services were suspended in Chiba City.

Authorities are continuing evacuation efforts and working to restore transport links, including railway services connecting the region with Tokyo and operations at Narita Airport.

By Aghakazim Guliyev