Record rainfall brings flooding to parts of ChibaーNHK WORLD-JAPAN NEWS

NHK WORLD-JAPAN

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Video Summary

A severe flood inundated Chiba City, submerging roads and a daycare center for the elderly under knee-deep water. The deluge, accompanied by frightening thunder and lightning, forced the closure of the daycare, leaving over 100 wet rugs and damaged equipment in its wake.

Residents described the water reaching as high as their knees, with the situation only beginning to recede by late evening. The storm's intensity caused significant disruption, with one staff member at the daycare sharing harrowing footage of water surging into the facility, floating debris, and rendering equipment unusable. The daycare, which had to cancel operations for the day, is uncertain about reopening on Monday.

Short Highlights

Chiba City experienced severe flooding overnight.
Roads in Inage Ward were submerged, with water reaching knee-high.
A daycare center for the elderly was inundated.
The daycare is currently closed due to flood damage and uncertainty about reopening.

Key Details

Floodwaters Engulf Chiba City [0:11]

Residents in western Chiba City reported knee-deep water last night.
The water receded around 11 p.m. on Thursday.
Roads leading to central Chiba City were affected, with stranded cars visible.

"And right now, you can see the trunk that's just putting away one of the stranded cars from last night."

Daycare Center Suffers Flood Damage [0:39]

A daycare center for the elderly in Inage Ward was inundated.
Over 100 wet rugs were brought outside to dry.
Pavement on the sidewalk showed signs of upheaval, with earth exposed.

"And this morning, they woke up to the aftermath, including this facility here."

Daycare Closed Amidst Damage Assessment [1:05]

The daycare center, usually open by 8 a.m. on weekdays, was closed for the day.
A staff member shared video footage from 7:30 p.m. the previous night showing the flooded road and a person struggling to cycle through the water.
Inside the facility, water was about 20 centimeters high, with boxes, papers, and trash floating.

"Boxes and papers are floating around. Trash been toppled over."

Electrical and Equipment Concerns at Daycare [1:30]

Staff attempted to elevate equipment, but it was insufficient.
Water entered from the entrance, making the door difficult to open.
The water was eventually let out around 9 p.m., but electricity had to be shut down.

"They said the water came in front from the entrance, and all of a sudden they could not open the door."

Uncertainty About Reopening and User Concerns [1:57]

Machines inside the daycare are dark and their usability after the flood is unknown.
The facility plans to open on Monday but is unsure.
A facility manager, Sato Ryo, who shared the video, was reminded of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

"And when the flood happened last night, they had to shut down the electricity."

User Hopes for Swift Reopening [2:18]

Sato Ryo expressed worry for the users who rely on the daycare.
One user visited and expressed hope for a prompt reopening.

"So I'm going to ask him how he felt last night when the flood happened."