News

Record Rain Forces Asian Games Athletes to Evacuate in Nagoya

Rain disrupts Asian Games

Written and analysed by Ryusei Hosono • • Updated: September 10, 2026
record-rain-forces-asian-games-athletes-to-evacuate-in-nagoya

A flat, limited-palette illustration in navy and red on a cream background shows four athletes hurrying through heavy rain toward a waiting bus. The figures are seen from behind, dressed in matching red jackets and dark pants, each carrying a backpack, and the two closest figures also hold plastic bags in their hands. Their bus waits at the right with its door open, white with a broad red stripe along the side.

Behind them, the curved bowl of a large stadium rises above a line of dark trees, and diagonal streaks of rain fall across the whole scene. The wet ground mirrors the figures and the bus in broken navy and red reflections, giving the image the feel of a news illustration about athletes being evacuated from a venue during a downpour, matching the Asian Games in Nagoya.

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Record Rain Forces Asian Games Athletes to Evacuate in Nagoya

Table of contents:

    TL;DR

    Hundreds of Asian Games athletes were briefly evacuated in Nagoya after record rainfall of 104mm in one hour, with rainwater also leaking into competition venues ahead of Thursday's start.

    Record Rainfall Triggers Evacuation in Nagoya

    Hundreds of Asian Games athletes were briefly evacuated from their accommodation in Nagoya, central Japan, as record rainfall lashed the host city, officials said. About 104mm (4 inches) of rain fell in a single hour on Tuesday, September 8, prompting municipal officials to issue an evacuation order for parts of the city.

    An official with the Nagoya Port Authority said “hundreds” of athletes were staying at the affected accommodation. According to reports, the athletes returned after the evacuation order was lifted about two hours later.

    Water Leaks Into Competition Venues

    Rainwater was found in several competition venues a day before some pre-opening ceremony competitions were set to begin on Thursday, September 10. The basketball competition gets under way the same day.

    • About 104mm (4 inches) of rain fell in one hour in Nagoya on September 8, 2026
    • Municipal officials issued an evacuation order for parts of the city
    • Athletes returned to their accommodation after the order was lifted roughly two hours later
    • Rainwater was reported in several competition venues, with more wet weather forecast for the coming days

    City officials and Games organisers could not immediately confirm the extent of the damage.

    No Dedicated Athletes’ Village

    This year’s Asian Games has no dedicated athletes’ village, with organisers instead relying on a cruise ship, temporary wooden containers and hotels to house competitors.

    Games Timeline and Outlook

    The Asian Games officially begin with the Opening Ceremony on September 19, but several events get under way before that date. With more wet weather forecast for the coming days, organisers face continued challenges in the build-up to the Games.

    Scientists say human-induced climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of weather events in Japan and elsewhere.

    Sources and further reading

    1. Al Jazeera — Asian Games athletes forced to evacuate amid record rainfall in Japan
    2. The Straits Times — Record rain in Japan forces Asian Games athletes to evacuate accommodation, leaks reported in venues
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