Athletes arriving early for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, were unharmed by extensive flooding that struck the central Japanese city, according to Mayor Ichiro Hirosawa.
"We are not worried about the conditions of the venues and we believe there is no problem holding the Asian Games as planned," Hirosawa stated Wednesday.
The Asian Games are scheduled to open Sept. 19 in Nagoya and surrounding areas, running through Oct. 4. The event is expected to host more than 11,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions in Asia, surpassing the approximately 10,700 athletes who participated in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Approximately 400 athletes and staff members temporarily housed in converted shipping containers were briefly relocated to higher ground during the downpour. Hirosawa reported minor issues such as leaking roofs at some venues, but no significant damage.
Record rainfall on Tuesday led to flooding across dozens of roads and homes, stranding pedestrians and vehicles. City bus and subway services were temporarily suspended. Reports indicated that around 3,500 people sought refuge in emergency evacuation centers.