The torrential rains that hit Chiba Prefecture on Aug. 13 caused heavy damage not only in outlying agricultural areas but also in urban locations, affecting shoppers and commuters trying to return home.

An unprecedented downpour was recorded in Chiba city when linear rainbands formed. The rainfall exceeded the drainage capacity, flooding streets and leading to fatalities in Chiba and Ichikawa cities.

We need to assess whether prior warnings were adequate and whether there was sufficient infrastructure to cope with heavy rainfall.

But the limits of what can be done were revealed, too.

Chiba city was in the process of strengthening its rainwater storage facilities in some of its heavily urban areas.

But those projects were being carried out on the........

© The Asahi Shimbun