Survey finds over 80 Japanese underpasses flooded, trapping dozens of cars
A survey revealed that more than 80 underpasses in Japan's prefectural capitals have been flooded in the past decade, submerging 134 vehicles.
One outlet compiled responses from every agency responsible for underpasses in Japan's prefectural capitals, covering 866 structures in total. Over the last ten years, at least 80 of these tunnels experienced flooding that left 134 vehicles immobilised, with incidents reported across 33 cities. Warning systems that trigger signs based on water levels have been installed at roughly 415 sites, representing about 48% of the total, but physical barriers that can block entry automatically are present at only 54 locations, just over 6%.
The survey highlights ongoing safety concerns after two people died in flooded underpasses in Chiba Prefecture during heavy rains in August. In response, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has begun issuing traffic restrictions during severe weather and has urged local governments to adopt similar measures.
Why it matters
Flooded underpasses pose a recurring safety risk, and the survey shows many Japanese cities still lack adequate barriers to prevent vehicles from entering dangerous water.
In this story
