Japan faced widespread disruption on Monday as Typhoon Dujuan moved toward the country’s eastern coast, bringing torrential rain, strong winds and the threat of landslides and flooding.
More than 1.9 million people were urged to evacuate in affected areas as authorities warned that conditions could worsen quickly. The storm particularly affected the Kanto region, including Tokyo and neighbouring prefectures.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said heavy rain had already fallen across the Izu Islands and parts of the Pacific coast. Rainfall totals in some locations exceeded 300 millimeters over several days, while Izu Oshima received more than 600 millimeters during a 24-hour period.
Such rainfall created dangerous conditions for residents living near steep slopes, rivers and low-lying areas. Authorities issued evacuation warnings and encouraged people in high-risk areas to move to safer locations before the situation deteriorated.
The storm also caused major interruptions to Japan’s transportation network.
Japan Airlines cancelled approximately 120 domestic flights, while All Nippon Airways cancelled around 140 flights. Railway services were also affected, with East Japan Railway suspending some services in Chiba, Ibaraki and western Tokyo.
For travellers, the disruption created difficulties during Silver Week, a holiday period that normally sees increased movement across Japan.
The storm also affected cultural and sporting events. Organisers of the Tokyo Game Show cancelled Monday’s programme. Meanwhile, the Asian Games in central Japan postponed an equestrian eventing competition because of the approaching storm.
Authorities warned that the danger extended beyond strong winds. Heavy rainfall could cause rivers to rise rapidly, while saturated ground could trigger landslides even after the centre of the typhoon had passed.
The JMA also warned about the possibility of linear rain bands developing over Kanto and central Japan. These weather formations can produce intense rainfall over relatively small areas for extended periods.
Residents were advised to follow information from local municipalities and to avoid travelling through flooded roads. Officials also cautioned against entering underground facilities during severe flooding because water can accumulate quickly in such areas.
One person in Miyazaki Prefecture was confirmed dead in connection with the typhoon, while another person suffered minor injuries, according to a report from Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency cited by The Japan Times.
The government also adjusted its schedule because of the storm. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s planned departure for New York was delayed by several hours.
Emergency authorities continued to monitor the storm’s movement and rainfall totals. Local governments were asked to maintain evacuation arrangements and provide residents with updated information.
Japan’s disaster-management system uses multiple warning levels, with the highest levels indicating an immediate threat to life. Officials stressed that people should not wait until the most severe warning level before taking action if they were already in a vulnerable location.
The storm illustrated the broader disruption a major typhoon can cause, affecting not only homes and infrastructure but also aviation, railways, sporting events, tourism and government operations.
As Dujuan continued across eastern Japan, authorities remained focused on preventing casualties by encouraging early evacuation and keeping residents away from dangerous areas.
Journalist Details
- Jitendra Kumar is an Indian journalist and social activist from Hathras in Uttar Pradesh is known as the senior journalist and founder of Xpert Times Network Private Limited.
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