TOKYO, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Monday, eastern Japan faced severe weather conditions as Typhoon Dujuan brought intense rainfall and powerful winds, leading to emergency landslide warnings and widespread interruptions to travel. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its most severe landslide alert for Oshima in the Izu Islands shortly after midday. Parts of the island chain experienced rainfall exceeding 500 millimeters, while Chiba Prefecture recorded over 300 millimeters from Saturday through early Monday afternoon. Officials issued warnings about flooding, swollen rivers, landslides, and hazardous coastal conditions.
At noon, Dujuan was progressing north-northeast over waters west of Hachijojima, maintaining a broad storm-force wind zone. Forecasters tracked the storm as it moved toward the Izu Islands and the Kanto region, with expectations that it would pass close to Kanto later Monday as it accelerated northeastward. Weather authorities issued alerts for violent winds, rough seas, and additional heavy rainfall along eastern Pacific coastal areas, also monitoring linear rain bands that can produce intense localized downpours over a short duration.
The storm caused damage and led to closures across multiple prefectures. By 2 p.m., the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism reported three landslides in Chiba, resulting in one home destroyed and another partially damaged. Miyazaki experienced two additional landslides, with one fatality and one injury recorded. Heavy rainfall resulted in the shutdown of 32 sections across six expressways and three national roads. Flooding and fallen trees also caused the closure of 16 prefectural road segments in Ibaraki, Saitama, and Chiba.
Heavy Rain Causes Flight Cancellations and Public Transit Disruptions
By 11 a.m., the ministry’s update indicated that airlines had canceled 384 flights scheduled for Monday, primarily affecting airports serving the Kanto region. Infrastructure damage had not been reported at that time that could hinder airport operations. The typhoon also impacted a major event in Chiba, leading to the cancellation of the final day of the Tokyo Game Show due to weather and transportation concerns. Travelers experienced schedule adjustments as service providers responded to worsening conditions.
Rail and maritime networks faced significant interruptions. Service was suspended on 16 conventional railway lines by 1:45 p.m. across eight operators, with another operator planning to halt 12 additional lines. At that time, no suspensions involving Shinkansen lines had been reported. Maritime routes, mainly in Kanto and Kyushu, were halted on 36 routes, while highway bus services were suspended on 62 routes, primarily in Chiba and Nagano. Local buses also stopped 26 routes, though some services continued partially.
Flood Prevention Measures Ramp Up as Dujuan Advances Northeast
Flood control activities intensified as rainwater accumulated in river basins near Dujuan’s path. Thirteen dams reached thresholds requiring pre-release actions, and three began proactive water releases. Flood-control operations were underway at nine dams, with two still active at noon. By midday, officials had not received reports of river flooding. Emergency teams deployed pumping and lighting vehicles to Chiba to assist with drainage and overnight response efforts. Local authorities continued to monitor rivers, slopes, and low-lying areas for further risks.
Forecasts from weather officials predict additional heavy rainfall over Tokai, Kanto-Koshin, the Izu Islands, and Tohoku through Monday. Rain totals through noon Tuesday could reach 250 millimeters across Kanto, Tokai, and the Izu Islands, with Tohoku potentially receiving up to 150 millimeters in the same period. Residents are urged to stay vigilant for landslides, flooding, rising rivers, strong winds, and high waves. As Typhoon Dujuan moves northeastward over waters near eastern Japan, local warnings and evacuation notices are continuously updated.