TOKYO, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Monday, Typhoon Dujuan caused unprecedented rainfall and fierce winds across eastern Japan, leading to urgent landslide alerts and widespread disturbances to transportation. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a Level 5 landslide warning for Oshima in the Izu Islands at 12:40 p.m. Heavy precipitation had already surpassed 500 millimeters in certain parts of the island chain. Additionally, Chiba Prefecture recorded over 300 millimeters of rain from Saturday through early Monday afternoon. Officials cautioned residents to remain vigilant for flooding, swollen rivers, and dangerous waves.
By midday, the powerful and sizable typhoon was moving north-northeast over waters west of Hachijojima. It maintained a storm-force wind zone as it advanced toward the Izu Islands and the Kanto area. Meteorologists indicated that the system would accelerate and pass close to Kanto later in the day. They issued warnings of violent winds, treacherous seas, and further heavy rainfall along eastern Pacific coastal regions. Linear rain bands could also intensify rainfall in Tokai, Kanto, and the Izu Islands.
According to the transport ministry, three landslides had occurred in Chiba Prefecture by 2 p.m., resulting in one home destroyed and another partially damaged. Two additional landslides took place in Miyazaki Prefecture, leading to one death, one injury, and damage to one residence. Flood thresholds prompted the closure of 32 sections on six expressways and three sections on two national roads. Roads were flooded, and fallen trees blocked 16 prefectural routes across Ibaraki, Saitama, and Chiba.
Heavy Rainfall Heightens Flood and Landslide Threats
Air travel faced significant 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 within the Kanto region. At that time, airport officials had not reported any damage to facilities that would hinder flight operations. The Tokyo Game Show’s final day in Chiba was also canceled due to the typhoon.
Rail services were halted on 16 conventional lines operated by eight companies by 1:45 p.m. One operator planned suspensions on an additional 12 lines, but no Shinkansen services were reported to be affected. Maritime companies stopped 36 routes, primarily serving Kanto and Kyushu. Meanwhile, highway bus services suspended 62 routes, mainly in Chiba and Nagano. Local bus operators also ceased 26 routes, mostly in Tokyo and Chiba, while some services operated with partial suspensions.
Transport Systems Undergoing Extensive Interruptions
As rainfall increased, flood control measures expanded across river basins near the typhoon’s trajectory. Thirteen dams reached thresholds requiring pre-release measures, with three conducting water releases ahead of time. Flood-control operations were underway at nine dams, with two still active at noon. By that time, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism had received no reports of river flooding. Emergency crews dispatched pumping and lighting vehicles to Chiba to support drainage and night-time operations.
Meteorological officials issued warnings for storm-level rainfall across Tokai, Kanto-Koshin, the Izu Islands, and Tohoku through Monday. Forecasts indicated totals of up to 250 millimeters for Kanto, Tokai, and the Izu Islands, and 150 millimeters for Tohoku through noon Tuesday. Authorities emphasized the importance of vigilance against landslides, as well as monitoring flooding, rising rivers, strong winds, and high waves. The official forecast projected the typhoon near Kanto on Monday night as it moved northeastward at increasing speed. Local warnings and evacuation advisories continued to be issued as the situation evolved.