Prefecture and national government collaborate to remove submerged cars in Chiba heavy rain; project team launched

In response to the problem of submerged cars remaining on the roads due to the heavy rain that hit Chiba prefecture from the evening of the 13th, the prefecture announced on the 18th that it will form a project team (PT) with the national government, Chiba city, and others to work together to move the cars.

At one point, there were at least 2,700 vehicles left on the roads, mainly in Chiba City. As of 9 a.m. on the 18th, about 600 vehicles remained on the prefecture's main roads, including about 200 in Chiba City, causing traffic congestion.

The meeting was held behind closed doors, with participants including the prefecture, Chiba City, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and the Chiba Prefecture Towing Business Cooperative Association.

According to the Prefectural Road Environment Division, attendees raised issues such as difficulty in contacting vehicle owners and securing storage space after moving. There was also an opinion that owners should bear the cost of removing cars from the road. The estimated completion date and future meeting dates have not yet been determined.