At least four people died in eastern Japan after "unprecedented" heavy rain that left thousands stranded at Narita airport overnight and snarled up roads and rail services, authorities said Friday.

Record-breaking heavy rain has pounded eastern Japan, flooding roads and homes, paralyzing traffic, and causing power outages near Tokyo.

Eastern Japan experienced torrential rain on Thursday, causing landslides and power outages. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its highest-level heavy rain warning for Chiba.…