TOKYO, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Monday, Typhoon Dujuan unleashed unprecedented rainfall and fierce winds across eastern Japan, leading to urgent landslide alerts 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. Rainfall totals had already surpassed 500 millimeters in parts of the island chain. Chiba Prefecture experienced more than 300 millimeters of rain from Saturday through early Monday afternoon. Officials cautioned residents to be vigilant for flooding, swollen rivers, and dangerous waves.
At midday, the large and powerful typhoon was heading north-northeast over waters west of Hachijojima, maintaining a storm-force wind zone as it moved toward the Izu Islands and the Kanto region. Forecasters indicated that the system would accelerate and pass close to Kanto later that day. They issued warnings of violent winds, extremely rough seas, and additional heavy rainfall across eastern Pacific coastal areas. Additionally, linear rain bands could enhance rainfall across Tokai, Kanto, and the Izu Islands.
The transport ministry reported three landslides in Chiba Prefecture by 2 p.m., one of which destroyed a home and another caused partial damage. Two additional landslides occurred in Miyazaki Prefecture, resulting in one fatality, one injury, and damage to a home. Rainfall thresholds led to the closure of 32 sections across six expressways and three sections of two national roads. Flooded roads and fallen trees also caused the shutdown of 16 prefectural road segments across Ibaraki, Saitama, and Chiba.
Intense rainfall heightens flood and landslide dangers
Air travel experienced extensive disruptions 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. Authorities had yet to report any damage to airport facilities that would halt flight operations at that time. The Tokyo Game Show’s final day in Chiba was also canceled due to the typhoon.
By 1:45 p.m., rail operators suspended services on 16 conventional lines operated by eight companies. One operator planned to suspend 12 additional lines, although no Shinkansen suspensions had been reported. The Maritime sector halted 36 routes, mainly serving Kanto and Kyushu. Bus companies suspended 62 routes, primarily in Chiba and Nagano, while local bus services canceled 26 routes, mostly within Tokyo and Chiba. Several other services only operated partially.
Transport networks face widespread interruptions
As rainfall accumulated, flood control measures increased along river basins in the typhoon’s path. Thirteen dams reached thresholds requiring pre-release actions, with three executing 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 incidents by midday. Emergency teams dispatched pumps and lighting vehicles to Chiba to assist drainage and night-time operations.
The weather agency issued warnings for storm-level rainfall across Tokai, Kanto-Koshin, the Izu Islands, and Tohoku through Monday. Forecasts predicted totals of 250 millimeters for Kanto, Tokai, and the Izu Islands, and 150 millimeters for Tohoku through noon Tuesday. Authorities advised heightened caution for landslides, flooding, rising rivers, and dangerous conditions caused by strong winds and high waves. The official forecast indicated the typhoon would be near Kanto on Monday night as it moved northeastward faster. Local warnings and evacuation notices continued to be issued as weather conditions evolved.