Record rains in Japan's Tokai region force 2.65 million to evacuate, paralyzing Nagoya

Evacuation orders affecting 2.65 million people were issued in Japan's Tokai region after record torrential rains, paralyzing Nagoya and raising concerns about the upcoming Asian Games. The orders cover over 1.3 million households across Aichi, Mie, and Gifu prefectures. Nagoya saw widespread flooding, suspended public transport, stranded commuters, 43 flooded homes, and at least 200 submerged vehicles, prompting 17 temporary shelters. The emergency has renewed doubts about infrastructure readiness for the Asian Games, set for September 19 to October 4 in Nagoya and Tokai, which will host about 11,000 athletes. Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa has urged calm, ruling out impacts on the event.