TOKYO, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Monday, eastern Japan experienced severe conditions as Typhoon Dujuan brought heavy rainfall and powerful winds, leading to emergency warnings for landslides and widespread interruptions to travel. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its highest landslide alert for Oshima in the Izu Islands shortly after midday. Some regions saw rainfall exceeding 500 millimeters, while Chiba Prefecture recorded more than 300 millimeters from Saturday through early Monday afternoon. Authorities issued alerts to residents regarding potential flooding, swollen rivers, landslides, and hazardous coastal conditions.
At midday, Dujuan was advancing north-northeast over waters west of Hachijojima and was maintaining an expansive storm-force wind area. Meteorologists tracked its movement toward the Izu Islands and the Kanto region. The storm was projected to pass near Kanto later in the day as it quickened its northeastward course. Weather officials issued warnings about fierce winds, rough seas, and additional heavy rains along the eastern Pacific coast. They also kept a close eye on linear rain bands capable of generating intense downpours in a short timeframe.
Several prefectures faced damage and transportation closures due to the storm. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism reported three landslides in Chiba by 2 p.m., resulting in one home being destroyed and another partially damaged. Additionally, Miyazaki experienced two landslides, which led to one death and one injury. Heavy rainfall caused closures on 32 sections of six expressways and three national roads. Flooding and fallen trees also resulted in the shutdown of 16 prefectural road sections across Ibaraki, Saitama, and Chiba.
Heavy Rain Causes Disruptions to Flights and Public Transit
By 11 a.m., the ministry’s update indicated that airlines had canceled 384 flights scheduled for Monday. The majority of these affected airports serving the Kanto region. No infrastructure damage impacting operations had been reported at the airports at that time. The typhoon also disrupted a major event in Chiba; organizers called off the final day of the Tokyo Game Show due to the storm and related transportation concerns. Travelers experienced schedule changes as service providers adapted to worsening weather conditions.
Significant interruptions were also seen in rail and maritime networks. By 1:45 p.m., eight railway operators had suspended service on 16 conventional lines, with plans for another operator to halt 12 additional lines. No suspensions involving Shinkansen services had been reported at that time. Maritime routes were halted on 36 lines, mainly in Kanto and Kyushu, while highway bus companies suspended 62 routes, predominantly around Chiba and Nagano. Local bus services also stopped 26 routes, though some services continued with partial suspensions.
Flood Control Measures Intensify as Dujuan Advances Northeast
Flood mitigation efforts increased as rainfall intensified across river basins near Dujuan’s path. Thirteen dams reached thresholds for pre-release actions, with three beginning proactive water releases. Nine dams engaged in flood-control operations, with two still active at noon. No reports of river flooding had been received by midday. Emergency crews dispatched pumps and lighting vehicles to Chiba to assist drainage and overnight response activities. Local authorities maintained vigilance over rivers, slopes, and low-lying areas.
Weather predictions indicated additional heavy rain in Tokai, Kanto-Koshin, the Izu Islands, and Tohoku through Monday. Rainfall totals could reach 250 millimeters across Kanto, Tokai, and the Izu Islands, while Tohoku might receive up to 150 millimeters during this period. Officials urged residents to stay alert for landslides, flooding, rising rivers, strong winds, and high waves. As Typhoon Dujuan moved northeastward over waters near eastern Japan, local warnings and evacuation notices continued to evolve accordingly.