Multi-story parking lots are often considered a safe option for vehicle storage. However, even these structures can’t withstand the fury of nature. In Japan, a historic flood caused by record-breaking rainfall submerged a parking lot, resulting in the total destruction of 274 vehicles.
The storm struck Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture, on the night of September 12, 2025. Within just one hour, rainfall reached 123.5 mm—the highest ever recorded in the area. The deluge overwhelmed the city’s drainage system, leading to catastrophic flooding.
Kusunoki Parking Lot, located near the city center, stood no chance against the onslaught. Despite staff efforts to block entrances with sandbags, water inundated the facility. The first floor (3.5 meters high) was completely submerged, while the second floor was flooded up to 1.2 meters.
The first floor of the parking lot was entirely underwater.
According to *Kuruma News*, the two-story parking lot has a capacity of approximately 500 vehicles. At the time of the storm, 274 cars were trapped inside and completely destroyed. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
A total of 274 vehicles were completely ruined.
Drainage efforts began on September 13, 2025, using specialized pumping vehicles. By the morning of September 17, the parking lot remained partially submerged. Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism later shared images of the devastation on social media platform X, highlighting the storm’s destructive impact.
The parking lot remained flooded even after drainage efforts.
Among the damaged vehicles were notable models such as the Nissan R35 GT-R and a suspected Porsche Cayman. Luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz (S-Class, G-Class, CLA Shooting Brake, A-Class) and BMW X6 were also affected.
Toyota vehicles were well-represented, including the Crown Sedan, Land Cruiser Prado, Prius, Alphard, HiAce, and Probox. Additionally, several kei cars, such as the compact Mitsubishi Delica Mini, were among the casualties.
Many luxury vehicles were among those submerged.
The thick layer of mud coating the vehicles indicated they were fully submerged. Rainwater infiltrated both the interiors and mechanical components, causing extensive damage.
Vehicles were caked in mud from top to bottom.
The financial losses are expected to be substantial. The parking lot management has begun verifying vehicle owners’ identities before removal. However, as parking lots typically disclaim liability in natural disasters, insurance companies will cover most compensation costs. While Japanese insurance policies often include flood damage, the scale of this loss will likely result in massive payouts.
Insurance companies will bear the cost of the damage.
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