Image source, AFP via Getty Images

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has just reacted to the floods. In a post on X, she writes: "In recent years, disasters caused by heavy rain have become increasingly frequent."

She adds that authorities will "remain vigilant" and work closely with other ministries to "protect the lives and livelihoods of the people".

"I offer my deepest condolences to those who have passed away, and on behalf of all, I humbly extend my sympathies to their bereaved families," she wrote.

Here's a round-up about the destruction caused by the torrential rain in eastern Japan:

• At least four people have died in Chiba prefecture, which has been lashed by heavy rain

• In a first for Chiba, Japan's weather authority issued a level 5 emergency warning last night - the highest alert level in the system. That's since been downgraded to a level 4
• The rain has left around 20,000 households without power in Chiba prefecture
• Thousands were stranded overnight at Tokyo's Narita airport, and others spent the night at train stations and makeshift shelters
• Japanese authorities have described the deluge as "unprecedented"
• The floods come after back-to-back storms hit the region, including China and the Philippines

We're pausing our live coverage now, but you can read our news story for the latest updates.

Image source, Reuters

Chiba Governor Kumagai Toshihito has conveyed his condolences and vowed to prioritise rescue efforts amid torrential downpours over the region.

"I offer my deepest condolences to those who have lost their lives and my heartfelt sympathies to all those affected by the disaster. We will continue to prioritize saving lives, minimizing damage, and will work to share information and explore measures to facilitate a swift recovery,” Toshihito said.

Authorities confirmed at least four people in the Chiba prefecture have died.

The victims include a man in his 60s or 70s found floating on a flooded road and a 66-year-old woman stuck in her submerged car, according to the Chiba Prefecture Disaster Management Office.

Two more men were also found collapsed in the street.

More than 23,000 households are currently without power in Japan as a result of the heavy rain, according to utility provider Tokyo Electric Power.

The vast majority of those are in Chiba Prefecture, which has been hit hardest by the storm.

Other affected areas include Ibaraki Prefecture, where just under 600 homes are without electricity, while more than 300 households in Tochigi Prefecture are also experiencing power outages.

The region, which sits next to the capital Tokyo, has been hit with record rainfall, causing heavy floods and knocking out power.

Image source, Reuters

Today's floods come after a week of storms in the region.

Japan, China and the Philippines were hit by back-to-back storms – Dolphin, Chan-Hom and Peilou – which are churning across the region at the same time.

Earlier this week, Chinese authorities evacuated more than a million people from their homes as Dolphin, the strongest typhoon to hit China so far this year, made landfall in the country's east.

On Friday, Japan's Meteorological Agency said the deluge was brought by warm, humid air flowing into eastern Japan that combined with cold air above to make atmospheric conditions extremely unstable.

Image source, Reuters

Around 7,000 people were left stranded overnight at Narita, one of Tokyo's two main airports, as the rain cut transport services linking to the airport on Thursday.

All flights are scheduled to operate normally on Friday, an airport spokesperson says. National flag carrier Japan Airlines says some of its flights may be delayed but it does not expect any cancellations.

"We are never going to forget this trip," an American traveller stranded with his family at the airport tells NHK.

Several rail services remain suspended on Friday morning while some major highways are also shut.

Thousands of people spent the night at railway stations, makeshift shelters and Tokyo's Narita airport as torrential rain pummelled eastern Japan.

Here are some scenes from the ground.

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Getty Images

The deluge on Thursday prompted Japan's meteorological agency to issue a Level 5 Emergency Warning, the highest on its scale.

This was downgraded to Level 4 by Friday morning, but authorities have continued to urge residents to stay alert for landslides, floods and swollen rivers.

The Self-Defence Forces were deployed this morning to help transport people stranded at railway stations.

About 1,800 people also spent the night at Chiba Prefectural Government building.

Japanese authorities have described the deluge as “unprecedented”.

“This case was an extremely unusual situation, even by Japan's historical weather standards,” Chiba Governor Toshihito Kumagai told reporters on Friday morning.

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

"We will prioritise saving lives and keep carrying out rescue and recovery efforts," he added.

A woman in Chiba's Ichikawa city told NHK the rain "happened all of a sudden so it was a complete surprise".

"The power is out so I'm worried whether I can open my business in the next couple of days," she said.

Image source, Getty Images

Record rainfall in Japan’s Chiba prefecture has killed four people and left thousands stranded overnight at Tokyo’s Narita airport.

The prefecture, which sits right next to the capital city of Tokyo, has recorded more than 100mm of rain per hour since Thursday afternoon, authorities say.

This is about three times the average rainfall in August, and the highest volume of precipitation ever recorded in the country.

The deluge halted rail, bus and taxi services, and cut off power to more than 20,000 households in Chiba.

We’ll bring you the latest updates as we get them – stay with us.