Asian Games participants evacuated in Nagoya due to record rainfall
Hundreds of athletes were temporarily evacuated in Nagoya, Japan, due to extreme rainfall. Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa stated that the Asian Games infrastructure did not sustain critical damage.
Yulduz Salimov2 min read
In the Japanese city of Nagoya, which is hosting the Asian Games, emergency evacuations of athletes and staff took place due to record-breaking rainfall. On Tuesday, the city received 104 millimeters of rain in a single hour, leading to localized flooding and the temporary suspension of public transport, including subways and buses.
According to a spokesperson for the Nagoya Port Authority, approximately 400 people living in temporary container housing units in the Garden Pier area were moved to safety. Athletes were able to return to their quarters two hours after the evacuation order was lifted.
Nagoya Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa reported that while leaks were detected in the roofs of some sports venues and residential buildings, serious damage to the infrastructure was avoided. "The condition of the facilities is not a cause for concern, and there are no obstacles to holding the Asian Games on schedule," the mayor stated.
The official opening of the Asian Games is scheduled for September 19, but the first competitions, including basketball, are set to begin this Thursday. This year, organizers opted against using a single Olympic Village, instead housing more than 11,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions on a cruise ship, in hotels, and in temporary container structures.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued the highest level of flood warning for one of the region's key rivers. According to forecasts, rainy weather is expected to continue in the coming days. Scientists note that human-induced climate change is contributing to the increased frequency and intensity of such weather events in Japan and other parts of the world.
Source: aawsat.com
