Chiba Prefecture Hit by 11,680-Home Blackout as Heavy Rain Triggers Level 4 Alert

A massive power outage struck Chiba Prefecture on August 13 as heavy rain swept across the Kanto region. Tokyo Electric Power reported approximately 11,680 homes without electricity by 8:06 p.m., affecting nine cities and towns. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a Level 4 Heavy Rain Danger Alert, ordering residents in Ichikawa and Matsudo to evacuate from dangerous locations immediately.

Scale of the blackout across nine cities

The outage hit Chiba City Central Ward hardest, with about 4,050 homes losing power. Matsudo City reported roughly 1,780 homes affected, while Yachiyoshiro City saw approximately 3,170 homes without electricity. Inzai City, Funabashi City, Kamagaya City, Saitama City, and Ichihara City also experienced outages ranging from 10 to 1,150 homes. Tokyo Electric Power reported restoration times remained uncertain for most areas by late evening, though Inzai City expected power to return around 9:50 p.m.

Level 4 alert triggers mandatory evacuation

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its highest rain alert level at 4:27 p.m. on August 13 for Ichikawa and Matsudo cities in Chiba, as well as Nerima Ward in Tokyo. Level 4 means residents must evacuate from dangerous locations and move to safe places immediately. The agency advised people to avoid rivers, low-lying areas, steep slopes, and flooded roads, and to never attempt crossing moving floodwater.

What residents should do now

Residents in affected areas must follow evacuation orders from local municipalities immediately. Do not wait for official notices if conditions feel dangerous. Check real-time weather updates and flood risk maps from the Japan Meteorological Agency. Families should have emergency supplies, contact information for loved ones, and know the location of nearby shelters before conditions worsen.

Power restoration timeline remains unclear

Most outages showed no estimated restoration time as of 8:06 p.m. on August 13. Only Inzai City and Funabashi City provided specific timelines, expecting power by 9:50 p.m. and 9:20 p.m. respectively. Tokyo Electric Power urged customers to check their website for updates on specific neighborhoods and to report downed power lines or other hazards to emergency services.

Final Thoughts

The combination of widespread power loss and a Level 4 rain alert creates urgent safety risks for nearly 12,000 Chiba households. Residents must prioritize evacuation orders over waiting for power restoration and monitor local government updates closely.

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