TOKYO, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Monday, Typhoon Dujuan caused historic levels of rainfall and powerful winds across eastern Japan, leading to urgent landslide warnings and widespread 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 totals had already surpassed 500 millimeters in several areas of the island chain. Additionally, Chiba Prefecture recorded over 300 millimeters from Saturday until early Monday afternoon. Authorities advised residents to stay alert for flooding, swollen rivers, and hazardous waves.
At midday, the robust and expansive typhoon was advancing north-northeast over waters west of Hachijojima, maintaining a storm-force wind zone as it moved toward the Izu Islands and Kanto region. Meteorologists indicated that the system would accelerate and pass near Kanto later in the day. They issued warnings of violent winds, rough seas, and further heavy rainfall across eastern Pacific coastal zones. Additionally, linear rain bands could intensify rainfall across Tokai, Kanto, and the Izu Islands.
By 2 p.m., the transport ministry reported three landslides in Chiba Prefecture, resulting in one home destroyed and another partially damaged. Two additional landslides occurred in Miyazaki Prefecture, causing one death, one injury, and damage to a home. Rainfall thresholds led to the closure of 32 sections of six expressways and three sections of two national roads. Flooded roads and fallen trees also resulted in the shutdown of 16 prefectural road segments across Ibaraki, Saitama, and Chiba.
Heavy Rainfall Elevates Flooding and Landslide Risks
Disruptions to air travel were widespread, with carriers canceling a total of 384 flights scheduled for Monday, as reported by the ministry’s 11 a.m. update. Japan Airlines canceled 135 flights, ANA canceled 139, and other airlines canceled 110. The majority of canceled flights affected airports in the Kanto area. At that time, airport authorities had not reported any damage to facilities that would hinder flight operations. The final day of the Tokyo Game Show in Chiba was also canceled due to the typhoon.
Rail services were halted on 16 conventional lines operated by eight different companies by 1:45 p.m. One rail operator planned suspensions on an additional 12 lines, while no suspensions involving Shinkansen services had been reported. Meanwhile, Maritime companies suspended 36 routes, primarily serving Kanto and Kyushu. Highway bus services were interrupted on 62 routes, mainly in Chiba and Nagano, while local bus routes faced suspensions on 26 routes, predominantly in Tokyo and Chiba, with some services running partially.
Widespread Transportation Disruptions Due to Typhoon
Flood control measures increased as rainfall accumulated in river basins along the typhoon’s trajectory. Thirteen dams reached levels requiring pre-release actions, and three carried out early water releases. Flood-control operations were underway at nine dams, with two still performing such measures at noon. By that time, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism had not reported any river flooding. Emergency crews dispatched pumping and lighting equipment to Chiba to assist with drainage and nighttime operations.
The meteorological agency warned of storm-level rainfall across Tokai, Kanto-Koshin, the Izu Islands, and Tohoku extending through Monday. Projected rainfall totals through noon Tuesday indicated 250 millimeters for Kanto, Tokai, and the Izu Islands, and 150 millimeters for Tohoku. Officials emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant for landslides, flooding, rising rivers, strong winds, and high waves. The official forecast predicted the typhoon would be near Kanto on Monday night as it accelerated northeastward, prompting continuous issuance of local warnings and evacuation notices as the situation evolved.