TOKYO, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Monday, Typhoon Dujuan brought unprecedented rainfall and powerful winds to eastern Japan, resulting in emergency landslide alerts and extensive transportation interruptions. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a Level 5 landslide warning for Oshima in the Izu Islands at 12:40 p.m. Already, some areas had recorded total rainfall exceeding 500 millimeters across the island chain. Chiba Prefecture experienced over 300 millimeters from Saturday through early Monday afternoon. Authorities advised residents to remain vigilant for flooding, swollen rivers, and dangerous surf conditions.
At midday, the large and intense typhoon was advancing north-northeast over waters west of Hachijojima. It maintained a storm-force wind zone as it moved toward the Izu Islands and the Kanto region. Forecasters indicated the system would accelerate and pass near Kanto later in the day, warning of fierce winds, turbulent seas, and further heavy rainfall across eastern Pacific coastal areas. Additionally, linear rain bands could intensify precipitation over Tokai, Kanto, and the Izu Islands.
By 2 p.m., the transport ministry reported three landslides in Chiba Prefecture, destroying one home and damaging another partially. Two additional landslides occurred in Miyazaki Prefecture, causing one fatality, one injury, and damage to a house. Rainfall thresholds led to the closure of 32 sections on six expressways and three sections on two national roads. Flooded streets and fallen trees also resulted in the shutdown of 16 prefectural road segments across Ibaraki, Saitama, and Chiba.
Heavy Rainfall Elevates Flood and Landslide Dangers
Air travel faced widespread disruption as carriers canceled a total of 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 impacted airports in the Kanto region. At that time, no damage had been reported to airport facilities that would hinder flight operations. The final day of the Tokyo Game Show in Chiba was also canceled due to the typhoon.
Rail services were suspended on 16 conventional lines operated by eight different companies by 1:45 p.m. One operator planned to halt 12 additional lines, while no suspensions affecting Shinkansen routes had been reported. The Maritime sector suspended 36 routes primarily serving Kanto and Kyushu. Highway bus services were halted on 62 routes, mainly around Chiba and Nagano, and 26 local bus routes were also suspended, mostly in Tokyo and Chiba, with some services running partial schedules.
Transportation Systems Experience Extensive Interruptions
Flood control measures intensified as rainfall accumulated across river basins affected by the typhoon. Thirteen dams reached pre-release thresholds, with three performing proactive water releases. Nine dams were actively engaged in flood prevention operations, with two still doing so at noon. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism reported no flooding in rivers as of noon. Emergency crews dispatched pumping and lighting equipment to Chiba to support drainage efforts and nighttime operations.
The weather agency issued warnings of storm-level rainfall across Tokai, Kanto-Koshin, the Izu Islands, and Tohoku through Monday. Forecast totals through midday Tuesday indicated 250 millimeters for Kanto, Tokai, and the Izu Islands, and 150 millimeters for Tohoku. Officials urged extreme caution regarding landslides, with close monitoring of flooding, rising rivers, fierce winds, and high waves. The official forecast placed the typhoon near Kanto on Monday night as it moved northeastward at an increased speed. As conditions evolved, local warnings and evacuation advisories continued to be issued.