TOKYO, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Monday, Typhoon Dujuan delivered unprecedented rainfall and powerful winds across eastern Japan, triggering emergency warnings for landslides and causing extensive disruptions to transportation. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a Level 5 landslide alert for Oshima in the Izu Islands at 12:40 p.m. Rainfall had already exceeded 500 millimeters in parts of the island chain, with Chiba Prefecture experiencing over 300 millimeters from Saturday through early Monday afternoon. Authorities advised residents to remain alert for flooding, swollen rivers, and hazardous waves.
At midday, the powerful and sizable typhoon was progressing north-northeast over the waters west of Hachijojima. It maintained a storm-force wind zone as it headed toward the Izu Islands and the Kanto region. Forecasters indicated the storm would accelerate and pass near Kanto later in the day. Warnings of intense winds, dangerous seas, and additional heavy rainfall extended across eastern Pacific coastal areas. Linear rain bands were also expected to increase rainfall in Tokai, Kanto, and the Izu Islands.
The transport ministry recorded three landslides in Chiba Prefecture by 2 p.m., resulting in one home destroyed and another partially damaged. Two additional landslides occurred in Miyazaki Prefecture, with one fatality, one injury, and damage to a home reported. Due to the heavy rains, closures were enforced on 32 sections of six expressways and three sections of two national roads. Flooded roads and fallen trees also led to the closure of 16 prefectural road sections across Ibaraki, Saitama, and Chiba.
Intense Rainfall Escalates Flood and Landslide Hazards
Air travel faced widespread disturbances as airlines canceled 384 flights scheduled for Monday, according to the ministry’s 11 a.m. update. Japan Airlines canceled 135 flights, ANA canceled 139, and other carriers canceled 110. Most cancellations affected airports in the Kanto region. At that time, airport officials had not reported damage to facilities that would hinder flight operations. Additionally, the final day of the Tokyo Game Show in Chiba was canceled due to the typhoon.
Rail services were halted on 16 conventional lines operated by eight different companies by 1:45 p.m. One operator announced suspensions on 12 additional lines, though no Shinkansen services had been affected. Maritime transportation companies suspended 36 routes, primarily serving Kanto and Kyushu. Highway bus routes were suspended on 62 lines, mainly in Chiba and Nagano. Local buses also ceased operation on 26 routes, mostly in Tokyo and Chiba, with some services running partial operations.
Transport Disruptions Widespread Due to Typhoon
Flood control measures increased as rainfall accumulated in river basins near the typhoon’s trajectory. Thirteen dams reached levels requiring pre-release actions, with three conducting early water discharges. Flood-control activities were underway at nine dams, with two still operating as of noon. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism reported no river flooding incidents by that time. Emergency crews deployed pumping and lighting vehicles to Chiba to assist with drainage and night-time operations.
The weather agency issued warnings of storm-level rainfall across Tokai, Kanto-Koshin, the Izu Islands, and Tohoku through Monday. Predicted totals by noon Tuesday include 250 millimeters for Kanto, Tokai, and the Izu Islands, and 150 millimeters for Tohoku. Officials urged residents to exercise extreme caution regarding landslides, flooding, rising rivers, strong winds, and high waves. The official forecast projected the typhoon near Kanto on Monday night as it moved northeastward at an increased pace. Local authorities continued issuing warnings and evacuation notices as the weather conditions evolved.