Chiba Downpour Death Toll Rises to 13

Chiba, Aug. 18 (Jiji Press)–The death toll from Thursday’s record-breaking rain in Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo, has risen to 13, the prefectural government’s disaster response headquarters said Tuesday. The body of a man in his 60s was newly discovered in the city of Ichihara, while two men, one in his 60s and the other in his 80s, were found dead in the prefectural capital city of Chiba. According to the headquarters, one person remains missing, while two suffered serious injuries and 35 sustained minor injuries. Authorities suspect that the man found dead in Ichihara may be the missing person, and work is underway to confirm his identity. Meanwhile, a total of 2,314 homes suffered flooding above or below floor level. The number of houses destroyed or severely damaged came to 17, while 49 houses were partially damaged. Work to remove vehicles left behind in the torrential rain and subsequent flooding has faced difficulties. In response, the prefectural government will hold the first meeting of a team established jointly with the central government, the Chiba city government and towing companies later on Tuesday. Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai inspected the city of Oamishirasato the same day. Many areas in the city were flooded due to the heavy rain. END [Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]