Emergency safety measures introduced in 18 cities in Japan's Chiba Prefecture

Emergency safety measures have been introduced in 18 cities in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, the Japan Meteorological Agency said, according to Report, which cites Japanese media.

"Currently, a Level 5 special warning for heavy rain has been issued in the cities of Chiba, Ichikawa, Funabashi, Matsudo, Sakura, Narashino, Kashiwa, Ichihara, Yachiyo, Abiko, Kamagaya, Yotsukaido, Inzai, Shiroi, Yachimata and Togane in Chiba Prefecture. Unprecedented torrential rains are being observed in these and surrounding areas. We urge you to exercise the utmost caution," Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said in a post on X.

According to Japanese media, power outages in Chiba Prefecture have affected approximately 46,950 households.

In addition, more than 170,000 people in several prefectures in central Japan have been ordered to evacuate immediately due to torrential rains posing a risk of river flooding and landslides.

Heavy rains have also made it difficult for many residents of central Chiba to return home. As a result, the Chiba prefectural government has opened its main and secondary government buildings as temporary shelters, where more than 200 people are currently staying.