Tokyo, September 21
A powerful typhoon named Dujuan has intensified its impact across eastern Japan, bringing strong winds and heavy rain to Tokyo and surrounding areas and disrupting air and rail services, public events and the Asian Games.
Japanese authorities have raised alerts in several areas as the typhoon moves towards Japan’s eastern coast. Although the centre of the storm is expected to remain offshore, winds of more than 90 kilometres per hour are forecast along the eastern coast of Honshu and up to 75 kilometres per hour in Tokyo. Winds around the typhoon’s centre are estimated at 130 kilometres per hour, with gusts reaching 194 kilometres per hour.
Nearly 500 flights from Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita airports have been cancelled, according to flight-tracking service Flightradar24. Some bullet train services have also been suspended.
The typhoon has also affected events, with Monday’s programme of the Rock in Japan music festival in Chiba and Monday’s programme of the Tokyo Game Show cancelled.
The Asian Games, being held in Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture, have also been affected. An equestrian event scheduled for Monday has been postponed to Tuesday. Around 4,000 Asian Games participants are staying aboard the cruise ship Costa Serena, which may have to be moved to a safer location if the typhoon affects the area.
Japan’s Meteorological Agency has warned of heavy and continuous rain in the Kanto region, with rainfall of up to 250 millimetres possible in some areas. Authorities have warned of rising river levels, flooding and landslides.
A Level-4 warning has been issued in Tokyo’s Meguro area for flooding and landslides, while a Level-3 warning is in effect in central Tokyo. The Izu island chain and Oshima have been placed under the highest Level-5 warning.
In Chiba, a woman in her 40s was slightly injured in a landslide, while several roads have been flooded. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has urged residents to follow government instructions on evacuation and safety.
