TOKYO, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Monday, Typhoon Dujuan battered eastern Japan with heavy downpours and powerful winds, leading to emergency landslide alerts and widespread interruptions in travel. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its top landslide warning for Oshima in the Izu Islands shortly after midday. Rain accumulations surpassed 500 millimeters in certain parts of the island chain. Additionally, Chiba Prefecture reported over 300 millimeters from Saturday through early Monday afternoon. Officials cautioned residents about potential flooding, overflowing rivers, landslides, and hazardous coastal conditions.
At midday, Dujuan was traveling north-northeast over the waters west of Hachijojima, with a broad storm-force wind zone still in effect. Meteorologists tracked the storm’s path toward the Izu Islands and the Kanto region. It was forecasted to pass near Kanto later in the day as it accelerated northeast. Weather authorities issued warnings for violent winds, rough seas, and additional heavy rainfall along eastern Pacific coastal areas. They also monitored linear rain bands, which can cause intense localized downpours over short durations.
The cyclone caused damage and operational closures across several prefectures. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism identified three landslides in Chiba by 2 p.m. One house was destroyed, and another sustained partial damage. Reports also confirmed two landslides in Miyazaki, which resulted in one fatality and one injury. Heavy rains led to the shutdown of 32 segments on six expressways and three national roads. Flooding and fallen trees also blocked 16 sections of prefectural roads across Ibaraki, Saitama, and Chiba.
Heavy rainfall causes cancellations of flights and public transportation
By 11 a.m., the ministry’s update indicated that airlines had canceled 384 flights scheduled for Monday. The majority of these disruptions involved airports serving the Kanto area. Infrastructure damage that could hinder airport operations had not yet been reported. The storm also impacted a major event in Chiba; organizers decided to cancel the final day of the Tokyo Game Show due to the typhoon and transportation issues. Travelers experienced fluctuating schedules as service providers adjusted operations in response to deteriorating weather conditions.
Rail and maritime services also saw significant disruptions. By 1:45 p.m., eight railway operators suspended service on 16 conventional lines, with another operator planning suspensions on 12 additional routes. No suspensions involving the Shinkansen had been reported at that time. Maritime transport services halted 36 routes, primarily in the Kanto and Kyushu regions. Highway bus operators suspended 62 routes, mainly in Chiba and Nagano, while local bus services stopped 26 routes, though some services continued with partial suspensions.
Flood control measures expanded as Dujuan progresses northeast
Officials heightened flood mitigation activities as rainfall increased across river basins along Dujuan’s path. Thirteen dams reached levels prompting pre-release measures, with three beginning preliminary water releases. Nine dams carried out flood-control operations, with two still active at noon. No reports of river flooding had been received by midday. Emergency teams dispatched pumping and lighting vehicles to Chiba to aid drainage and support overnight operations. Local authorities continued to monitor rivers, slopes, and low-lying districts carefully.
Meteorologists forecast additional heavy rainfall across Tokai, Kanto-Koshin, the Izu Islands, and Tohoku through Monday. Rain totals through Tuesday at noon could reach 250 millimeters in Kanto, Tokai, and the Izu Islands, while Tohoku might receive up to 150 millimeters in the same period. Authorities urged residents to stay alert for landslides, flooding, rising rivers, strong winds, and high waves. Local alerts and evacuation notices continued to evolve as Typhoon Dujuan moved northeastward across waters near eastern Japan.