Millions evacuated in Japan’s Nagoya as record rainfall causes flooding

Authorities in Japan have ordered the evacuation of around 2 million residents in Nagoya as torrential rains cause severe flooding across Aichi Prefecture.

Heavy rainfall has been battering the region for a second consecutive day, with Nagoya recording a record 104.5 millimetres of rain in a single hour on September 8, according to the Yomiuri Shimbun.

Flooding was reported in the city centre, including the busy Sakae district, where water reached knee level on some roads. Train, bus and other public transportation services were suspended during the peak commuting hours, affecting JR, Meitetsu and the Nagoya Municipal Subway.

Temporary shelters were opened near Nagoya Station and elsewhere for people unable to return home.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency issued a Level 5 special flood warning for the Shonai River. Two of the 15 underground passageways managed by the prefectural government were also flooded, according to the Chubu Regional Development Bureau.

No casualties have been reported so far.

The record hourly rainfall was measured by the Nagoya Meteorological Observatory between 3:53 p.m. and 4:53 p.m. local time on September 8. The previous record of 97 mm was set over Tokai, Japan, on September 11, 2000.

Forecasters expect up to 200 mm of additional rainfall in some areas by 6 p.m. on September 9, followed by another 80 mm through 6 p.m. on September 10.

Meteorologists warned that rainfall could intensify further in localised areas if a linear rainband develops, increasing the risk of additional flooding.

By Vugar Khalilov