A record-breaking storm struck Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, Japan, in recent weeks, leading to severe flooding in the Kusunoki Parking underground lot in front of Kintetsu Yokkaichi Station.
🚗 Scale of the Damage
The underground parking facility has two basements with a total capacity of around 500 vehicles.
| Basement Level | Water Depth | Vehicles Affected | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| B1 (First Basement) | 1.2 meters | 160 cars | Partially submerged |
| B2 (Second Basement) | 3.5 meters | 114 cars | Completely submerged, touching the ceiling |
- Total affected vehicles: 274
- Status: Most cars declared irrecoverable, with engines, interiors, and electronic systems destroyed.
⏱️ Drainage Operations
- Start: September 13 at 11:44 a.m.
- End: September 16 at 9:00 a.m. (B2 was nearly dry)
- Even after three days, 29 cm of water remained at the lowest level.
🛑 Possible Causes
Investigations suggest two main factors contributed to the disaster:
- Power Outage – Likely disabled the drainage system, allowing water levels to rise uncontrollably.
- Structural Design – With 13 ground-level access points (ramps and stairways), water easily poured into the underground facility.
💰 Compensation and Next Steps
The facility is managed by Dear Yokkaichi in partnership with TFI Corp. Operators confirmed they are evaluating compensation for vehicle owners but have not yet provided details on payouts or deadlines.
Car owners are now facing long insurance negotiations and uncertainty about compensation.
⚠️ Broader Warning
The case highlights the serious risks of parking in underground garages in flood-prone regions. For modern vehicles, which rely heavily on sensitive electronic modules, flood recovery is nearly impossible.
What was once a safe and convenient space for commuters has now become a costly reminder of urban vulnerabilities in the face of extreme weather.
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