TOKYO, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Monday, Typhoon Dujuan delivered unprecedented rainfall and fierce winds to eastern Japan. This led to emergency warnings for landslides and caused major disruptions to transportation. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a Level 5 landslide alert for Oshima in the Izu Islands at 12:40 p.m. Parts of the island chain had already seen rainfall exceed 500 millimeters. Chiba Prefecture reported over 300 millimeters from Saturday until early Monday afternoon. Authorities advised residents to stay alert for flooding, swollen rivers, and dangerous waves.
At midday, the large and powerful typhoon was moving north-northeast over the waters west of Hachijojima. It maintained storm-force winds as it advanced toward the Izu Islands and Kanto region. Forecasters indicated the system would accelerate and pass close to Kanto later on Monday. Warnings included violent winds, rough seas, and continued heavy rain across eastern Pacific coastal areas. Rainbands could also increase rainfall intensity in Tokai, Kanto, and the Izu Islands.
The transport ministry reported three landslides in Chiba Prefecture by 2 p.m., destroying one home and damaging another. Two additional landslides occurred in Miyazaki Prefecture, resulting in one death, one injury, and damage to a home. Rainfall thresholds led to closures on 32 sections of six expressways and three sections of two national roads. Flooded roads and fallen trees caused 16 prefectural road closures in Ibaraki, Saitama, and Chiba.
Heavy Rainfall Elevates Flood and Landslide Dangers
Air travel faced widespread disruption. The ministry’s 11 a.m. update reported cancellations of 384 Monday flights. Japan Airlines canceled 135 flights, ANA canceled 139, and other carriers canceled 110. Most cancellations affected airports in the Kanto region. At that time, airport officials had not reported any damage to facilities affecting flight operations. The organizers also called off the final day of the Tokyo Game Show in Chiba due to the typhoon.
Rail services were halted on 16 lines operated by eight different companies by 1:45 p.m. One company planned to suspend 12 more lines. No Shinkansen lines had been canceled. Maritime operators stopped 36 routes, mainly in Kanto and Kyushu. Highway bus services were suspended on 62 routes, mostly in Chiba and Nagano. Local buses also canceled 26 routes, primarily in Tokyo and Chiba, with some partial service ongoing.
Transport Systems Experience Extensive Interruptions
Flood control measures expanded as rainfall increased across river basins near the typhoon’s trajectory. Thirteen dams reached pre-release thresholds, with three conducting water releases ahead of time. Nine dams carried out flood-control operations, two of which were still active at noon. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism reported no river flooding by noon. Emergency teams deployed pumping and lighting vehicles to Chiba to assist with drainage and nighttime efforts.
The weather agency forecasted storm-level rainfall across Tokai, Kanto-Koshin, the Izu Islands, and Tohoku through Monday. Predicted totals by noon Tuesday were 250 millimeters for Kanto, Tokai, and the Izu Islands, and 150 millimeters for Tohoku. Officials urged heightened caution for landslides, flooding, rising rivers, strong winds, and high waves. The official forecast projected the typhoon near Kanto Monday night as it moved northeastward. Local authorities continued issuing warnings and evacuation notices as weather conditions evolved.