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Record Rain Floods Asian Games Prep in Japan
9 Sep
Summary
- Hundreds of athletes were evacuated from temporary housing due to heavy rainfall.
- Rainwater leaked into some competition venues, but officials expect games to proceed.
- Record rainfall in Nagoya caused temporary halts in subway and bus services.
Record rainfall in Nagoya, Japan, on Tuesday led to the temporary evacuation of hundreds of athletes preparing for the upcoming Asian Games. Intense downpours, with approximately 104mm of rain falling in an hour, prompted evacuation orders in parts of the city, affecting athletes housed in temporary wooden containers near the port.
Officials confirmed that the athletes were unharmed and returned to their accommodation after the evacuation order was lifted. While rainwater did leak into some competition venues, including roofing issues in the temporary athlete housing, Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa stated that the extensive flooding would not jeopardize the games, which are scheduled to begin with an opening ceremony on September 19.
Several events, including basketball, are set to commence earlier, with competition starting on Thursday. The severe weather also caused temporary halts to Nagoya's subway and bus services. This year's Asian Games are notable for not having a dedicated athletes' village, instead utilizing a cruise ship, hotels, and temporary container housing.
