TOKYO, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Monday, Typhoon Dujuan brought unprecedented rainfall and fierce winds to eastern Japan. Emergency warnings for landslides were issued, and transportation systems faced extensive interruptions. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a Level 5 landslide alert for Oshima in the Izu Islands at 12:40 p.m. Prior to this, parts of the island chain had already experienced over 500 millimeters of rain. Chiba Prefecture reported exceeding 300 millimeters from Saturday through early Monday afternoon. Authorities cautioned residents about potential flooding, swollen rivers, and dangerous waves.
At noon, the large and powerful typhoon was moving north-northeast over the waters west of Hachijojima. It maintained a storm-force wind zone as it tracked toward the Izu Islands and Kanto region. Forecasters indicated that the system would accelerate and pass near Kanto later on Monday. They issued warnings of violent winds, very rough seas, and additional heavy rain across eastern Pacific coastal areas. The presence of linear rain bands could further increase rainfall across Tokai, Kanto, and the Izu Islands.
The transport ministry reported three landslides in Chiba Prefecture by 2 p.m., which resulted in one home being destroyed and another partially damaged. In Miyazaki Prefecture, two additional landslides occurred, causing one death, one injury, and damage to one home. Rainfall thresholds led to the closure of 32 sections across six expressways and three segments of two national roads. Flooded roads and fallen trees also forced the shutdown of 16 prefectural road sections in Ibaraki, Saitama, and Chiba.
Record-breaking rainfall heightens risk of floods and landslides
Air travel faced widespread disruption, with carriers canceling 384 flights scheduled for Monday, according to the ministry’s 11 a.m. update. Japan Airlines canceled 135 flights, ANA canceled 139, and other airlines canceled 110. Most cancellations affected airports in the Kanto region. At that time, airport authorities reported no damage to facilities that would prevent flight operations. Additionally, the final day of the Tokyo Game Show in Chiba was canceled due to the typhoon.
Rail services were also affected, with 16 conventional lines suspended by eight operators by 1:45 p.m. One operator planned to suspend 12 more lines. However, no suspensions involving Shinkansen services had been reported. Maritime operators halted 36 routes, mainly serving the Kanto and Kyushu regions. Highway bus companies suspended 62 routes, primarily in Chiba and Nagano. Local bus services also stopped 26 routes, mainly in Tokyo and Chiba, while some other services experienced partial suspensions.
Transport systems face extensive disturbances amid heavy rainfall
Flood control measures intensified as rainfall increased across river basins near Dujuan’s path. Thirteen dams reached thresholds for pre-release actions, and three began releasing water in advance. Nine dams carried out flood-control operations, with two still engaged in such activities at noon. By that time, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism had received no reports of river flooding. Emergency crews deployed pumps and lighting vehicles to Chiba to assist with 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. Forecast totals suggested up to 250 millimeters of rain could fall in Kanto, Tokai, and the Izu Islands through noon Tuesday, with Tohoku expected to see around 150 millimeters. Officials urged residents to remain vigilant for landslides, flooding, rising rivers, strong winds, and high waves. The official forecast indicated the typhoon would be near Kanto on Monday night as it moved northeastward at an accelerated pace. Local authorities continued issuing warnings and evacuation notices as conditions evolved.