TOKYO, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Monday, Typhoon Dujuan delivered unprecedented rainfall and powerful winds across eastern Japan, leading to urgent landslide alerts and widespread transportation interruptions. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a Level 5 landslide warning for Oshima in the Izu Islands at 12:40 p.m. Already, some areas experienced totals surpassing 500 millimeters of rain. In Chiba Prefecture, over 300 millimeters of rain accumulated from Saturday through early Monday afternoon. Authorities cautioned residents to remain alert for flooding, swollen rivers, and hazardous waves.
At midday, the sizable and formidable typhoon was moving north-northeast over waters west of Hachijojima. It maintained a storm-force wind zone as it advanced toward the Izu Islands and the Kanto region. Forecasters predicted that the system would accelerate and pass near Kanto later in the day. Warnings included violent winds, extremely rough seas, and additional heavy rainfall along the eastern Pacific coast. Furthermore, linear rain bands could intensify rainfall levels across Tokai, Kanto, and the Izu Islands.
The transport ministry reported three landslides in Chiba Prefecture by 2 p.m., which destroyed one residence and caused damage to another. In Miyazaki Prefecture, two additional landslides were recorded, resulting in one death, one injury, and damage to one home. Rainfall thresholds prompted closures of 32 sections across six expressways and three segments of two national routes. Flooded roads and fallen trees also led to the shutdown of 16 prefectural road segments across Ibaraki, Saitama, and Chiba.
Heavy Rain Heightens Flood and Landslide Threats
Air traffic experienced extensive disruption as carriers canceled a total of 384 flights scheduled for Monday, according to the ministry’s 11 a.m. update. Japan Airlines canceled 135 flights, while ANA canceled 139, with other airlines suspending 110. The majority of cancellations affected airports in the Kanto region. At that time, no damage to airport facilities was reported that would impede flight operations. Additionally, the Tokyo Game Show’s final day in Chiba was canceled due to the typhoon.
Rail services were also impacted, with 16 conventional lines operated by eight different companies suspending operations by 1:45 p.m. One operator planned to suspend 12 more lines, but there were no reports of Shinkansen disruptions. Maritime operators halted 36 routes, mainly serving the Kanto and Kyushu regions. Highway bus services were suspended on 62 routes, primarily in Chiba and Nagano. Local bus routes also saw 26 suspensions, mainly in Tokyo and Chiba, although some services operated with partial closures.
Transportation Systems Experience Wide-Scale Disruptions
Flood control measures increased as rainfall accumulated within river basins near Dujuan’s trajectory. Thirteen dams reached pre-release thresholds, and three began early water releases. Flood-control operations were underway at nine dams, with two still active at noon. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism reported no river flooding by midday. Emergency response teams dispatched pumping and lighting equipment to Chiba to assist drainage and nighttime operations.
The meteorological agency issued warnings for storm-level rainfall across Tokai, Kanto-Koshin, the Izu Islands, and Tohoku through Monday. Forecasts indicated totals reaching 250 millimeters for Kanto, Tokai, and the Izu Islands, and 150 millimeters for Tohoku through noon Tuesday. Officials urged residents to exercise extreme caution regarding landslides, flooding, rising rivers, strong winds, and high waves. The official forecast predicted the typhoon would be near Kanto on Monday night as it sped northeastward. Local authorities continued issuing warnings and evacuation advisories as weather conditions evolved.