TOKYO, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – Typhoon Dujuan brought unprecedented rainfall and fierce winds to eastern Japan on Monday, leading to emergency warnings for landslides and widespread disruptions in transportation. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a Level 5 landslide warning for Oshima in the Izu Islands at 12:40 p.m. Heavy rain had already caused totals to surpass 500 millimeters in parts of the island chain. Chiba Prefecture experienced over 300 millimeters of rainfall from Saturday through early Monday afternoon. Officials urged residents to be vigilant for flooding, rising rivers, and dangerous waves.
At midday, the large and powerful typhoon was moving north-northeast over the waters west of Hachijojima. It maintained a storm-force wind zone as it tracked toward the Izu Islands and the Kanto region. Forecasters indicated that the system would accelerate and pass near Kanto later on Monday. Authorities warned of violent winds, extremely rough seas, and the potential for additional heavy rainfall across eastern Pacific coastal areas. Linear rain bands could also intensify precipitation in Tokai, Kanto, and the Izu Islands.
The transport ministry reported three landslides in Chiba Prefecture by 2 p.m., including the destruction of one home and partial damage to another. Two additional landslides occurred in Miyazaki Prefecture, resulting in one fatality, one injury, and damage to one residence. Rain-triggered closures affected 32 sections of six expressways and three segments of two national roads. Flooded roads and fallen trees also led to the closure of 16 prefectural road segments across Ibaraki, Saitama, and Chiba.
Heavy rainfall heightens the threat of flooding and landslides
Air travel faced significant cancellations 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 airlines canceled 110. Most cancellations impacted airports in the Kanto region. At that time, airport authorities had not reported any damage to facilities that would hinder flight operations. Additionally, organizers decided to cancel the final day of the Tokyo Game Show in Chiba due to the typhoon.
Rail services were also heavily impacted, with 16 conventional lines operated by eight different companies suspending operations by 1:45 p.m. One company planned to suspend 12 more lines, though no Shinkansen services had been reported to be affected. Maritime operators halted 36 routes, primarily serving the Kanto region and Kyushu. Highway bus operators suspended 62 routes, mainly around Chiba and Nagano, while local bus services also stopped 26 routes, mainly in Tokyo and Chiba. Several other services operated with partial suspensions.
Widespread transportation disruptions ongoing
Flood control measures intensified as rainfall increased across river basins in the typhoon’s vicinity. Thirteen dams reached thresholds prompting pre-release actions, and three carried out early water releases. Nine dams engaged in flood-control operations, with two still active at noon. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism reported no river flooding incidents by midday. Emergency teams deployed pumping and lighting equipment to Chiba to support drainage efforts and nighttime operations.
Meteorological warnings indicated that storm-level rainfall would persist across Tokai, Kanto-Koshin, the Izu Islands, and Tohoku through Monday. Forecasts projected totals up to 250 millimeters for Kanto, Tokai, and the Izu Islands through noon Tuesday, with Tohoku expected to receive around 150 millimeters. Officials advised residents to exercise extreme caution regarding landslides, flooding, rising rivers, strong winds, and high waves. The official forecast predicted that the typhoon would be near Kanto on Monday night as it moved northeastward at an accelerated pace. Local authorities continued issuing warnings and evacuation notices as conditions evolved.