Typhoon No. 25 caused the embankment of the 印旛沼 to breach, submerging a nearby eel-farming facility in Narita City and washing away about 5万匹 of eels that had been raised from fry, according to the 印旛沼漁業協同組合. The flooding occurred on September 22, 2026, leaving equipment completely waterlogged and devastating the local operation.
The Inba-Numa Fishery Cooperative consists of about 180 local fishing industry workers. The cooperative catches fry in prefectural waters, including off Kujukuri, and raises them using well water at its facility located right next to the Inba沼. Despite the prevalence of imported eels in the market, the cooperative has maintained its commitment to local production, selling the fish at reasonable prices through its adjacent direct-run restaurant. The establishment regularly attracts food connoisseurs from both within and outside the prefecture who appreciate the distinct taste of the local catch.
Facility Inundation and Extent of the Damage
The embankment breach at the Inba沼 led to severe flooding at the eel-farming facility on September 22, 2026. Floodwaters reached a height of nearly two meters, submerging everything from the eel-rearing ponds to the motors used for pumping well water and the temperature control systems designed to maintain a steady 28 degrees Celsius.
A cooperative representative stated regarding the escaped stock, “They have been raised in clean water, so they would die immediately in water mixed with mud. It’s a total loss.” As high water levels persisted through September 24, dead eels were found settled in the flooded parking lot nearby.
Did You Know? The Inba-Numa Fishery Cooperative relies entirely on local catches from areas like the coast off Kujukuri, raising the fry with well water rather than relying on imported stock to maintain its distinct regional flavor.
Future Outlook and Cooperative Response
With the rearing infrastructure entirely compromised and the stock depleted, recovery will likely require extensive repairs to the electrical equipment, pumps, and ponds before operations could resume.
Koichi Ogawa, the 89-year-old head of the cooperative, reflected on the loss while viewing the submerged grounds on September 24, 2026. “It made us happy when people told us they were glad the Inba沼 eels tasted different from others,” Ogawa said. “It’s a natural disaster, so it can’t be helped, but I hope the eels that escaped manage to survive somewhere in the irrigation ditches even after the water recedes.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the flooding at the eel-farming facility?
The flooding was caused by the embankment breach of the Inba沼 resulting from Typhoon No. 25.
How many eels were lost in the incident?
Who leads the Inba-Numa Fishery Cooperative?
The cooperative is led by 89-year-old head Koichi Ogawa.
How will local fisheries adapt to the increasing frequency of severe weather events affecting regional waterways?
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