Record Rainfall Forces Evacuation of 3,500 Athletes in Nagoya Ahead of Asian Games

by JEONG SE HEE Posted : September 9, 2026, 17:00Updated : September 9, 2026, 17:00

As the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games approach, record rainfall in Nagoya has led to the evacuation of hundreds of athletes from temporary accommodations.


On September 9, according to Yonhap News, AP, and AFP, Nagoya experienced torrential rain, with peak rates reaching 104 mm per hour, causing flooding on roads and subway stations, and halting public transportation. Reports indicate that 3,500 residents in Nagoya were evacuated.


The event is utilizing various accommodations, including cruise ships, hotels, and temporary wooden containers, instead of a large-scale athletes' village.


Among these, approximately 400 athletes and officials were evacuated from a container facility near the port due to the rain but returned after about two hours.


Nagoya Mayor Ichiro Hirose stated, "While there was limited damage, such as leaks in some buildings, the athletes are safe, and the facilities at the venues have not suffered serious damage. Given the current situation, there should be no obstacles to holding the event as scheduled."


Meanwhile, the Asian Games, featuring over 11,000 athletes from 45 Asian countries, is set to officially open on September 19, with preliminary events for some sports, including basketball, starting on September 10.





* This article has been translated by AI.