Four killed in record Japanese rainfall

Record-breaking heavy rain has pounded eastern Japan, flooding roads and homes, paralyzing traffic, and causing power outages near Tokyo

More than 36 centimeters (14 inches) of rain fell in 24 hours in parts of Chiba prefecture, which borders Tokyo, triggering landslide warnings and power outages for nearly 25,000 households.

Unprecedented rainfall battered Japan on Thursday, leaving at least four people dead and flooding parts of Chiba prefecture, east of Tokyo.

Areas of Chiba recorded upwards of 360mm of rain in 24 hours into Friday, flooding roads and rail lines during the Bon Buddhist holiday week, one of Japan’s busiest travel periods.