Thousands sleep in Japan airport as heavy rains block exit routes

Travellers were shocked by the circumstances and about 7,000 people slept inside terminals at an airport as emergency workers handed out sleeping bags, water and food

Tannur Anders UK & World News Reporter

04:55, 15 Aug 2026

Stranded passengers sit on the floor at Chiba Metro Station in Chiba on August 13, 2026(Image: Getty)

Thousands of people slept inside a busy Japanese airport after floodwaters cut off rail and road links.

About 7,000 people slept inside terminals at Tokyo's Narita International Airport on Thursday, August 13. Emergency workers handed out sleeping bags, water and food to families at the airport.

Travellers were shocked by the circumstances.

One told Japanese broadcaster NHK: "I never thought I'd spend the night at the airport."

The passenger added, "We're never going to forget this trip."

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People slept on the floor of the terminal 2 of Narita International Airport in Narita, Chiba prefecture on August 14, 2026(Image: Getty)

At least eight people have died in the rains.

Over 360mm of rain fell in 24 hours in parts of Chiba.

Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai said the situation was unusual.

"This case was an extremely unusual situation, even by Japans historical weather standards," the governor said.

"I have responded to many disasters in the past, but I have never experienced a case like this."

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Rain flooded a road near Chiba metro station in Chiba on August 13, 2026(Image: Getty)

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Weather experts said the disaster was caused by a rare combination of cold air high in the atmosphere, an large supply of warm, moist air and converging winds over Chiba.

More than 4,000 people spent the night inside JR Soga station after surrounding streets were flooded with water that reached as high as an adult's waist, according to reports.

Rail links reopened on Friday morning, but disruptions remained.

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