Nagoya issued its highest-level emergency warning for heavy rain and flooding Tuesday evening, as videos of inundated roads and buildings spread on social media. The warning, issued for parts of Chikusa Ward, Moriyama Ward and Meito Ward, cited a significantly increased risk of flooding in rivers flowing through the city. A level 5 warning urges residents to assess their surroundings and move to the safest possible location, such as a nearby tall building or the second floor or higher of their own homes.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said torrential rainfall in the hour through 4:53 p.m. hit a record 104.5 millimeters in the city. People were being warned not to linger in underground areas, as drainage systems are unable to keep up with the incessant rain, and there is a risk of water flowing into underpasses, underground shopping arcades and underground parking garages. Images posted to social media showed cars driving through roads with the waterline rising up to their doors in the city.
NHK also reported that underpasses and other areas in the city’s Minato Ward had flooded, forcing people to abandon their vehicles. Authorities told the public broadcaster that all occupants of the vehicles were able to escape on their own, and that no one was trapped.
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