TOKYO, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Monday, Typhoon Dujuan struck eastern Japan with heavy rainfall and powerful winds, leading to emergency landslide warnings and widespread travel disruptions. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its highest landslide alert for Oshima in the Izu Islands shortly after midday. Rain totals surpassed 500 millimeters in some parts of the island chain. Additionally, Chiba Prefecture recorded over 300 millimeters of rain from Saturday through early Monday afternoon. Authorities cautioned residents about flooding, swollen rivers, landslides, and hazardous coastal conditions.
At noon, Dujuan was moving north-northeast over waters west of Hachijojima, maintaining a broad storm-force wind zone. Forecasters tracked the typhoon toward the Izu Islands and the Kanto region. It was expected to pass near Kanto later Monday as it accelerated northeastward. Weather officials issued warnings for violent winds, rough seas, and additional heavy rain along eastern Pacific coastal areas. They also monitored conditions for linear rain bands, which have the potential to produce intense downpours over a short period.
The storm caused damage and closures across multiple prefectures. By 2 p.m., the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism reported three landslides in Chiba. One home was destroyed, and another experienced partial damage. Two landslides were also recorded in Miyazaki, which resulted in one death and one injury. Heavy rain led to the closure of 32 sections on six expressways and three national roads. Flooding and fallen trees also caused closures on 16 prefectural road segments across Ibaraki, Saitama, and Chiba.
Heavy Rain Leads to Flight Cancellations and Public Transit Disruptions
By 11 a.m., the ministry’s update indicated that airlines canceled 384 flights scheduled for Monday. Most cancellations affected airports serving the Kanto region. As of that time, airport authorities had not reported infrastructure damage preventing operations. The typhoon also impacted a major event in Chiba. Organizers called off the final day of the Tokyo Game Show due to the storm and transportation concerns. Travelers experienced schedule changes as service providers adjusted operations to accommodate worsening weather conditions.
Rail and maritime transportation networks also faced significant interruptions. Eight operators suspended service on 16 conventional railway lines by 1:45 p.m. Another planned suspension affected 12 additional lines. No suspensions involving Shinkansen trains had been reported at that time. Maritime companies halted 36 routes, mainly in Kanto and Kyushu. Highway bus services suspended 62 routes, primarily in Chiba and Nagano. Local bus operators also stopped 26 routes, though some services continued partially.
Flood Control Measures Increased as Dujuan Moves Northeastward
Authorities ramped up flood control efforts as accumulated rainwater threatened river basins along the typhoon’s path. Thirteen dams reached thresholds requiring pre-release actions, while three began early water releases. Nine dams conducted flood-control operations, with two still active at noon. No reports of river flooding had been received by midday. Emergency crews dispatched pumping and lighting vehicles to Chiba to assist with drainage and overnight response efforts. Local governments continued monitoring rivers, slopes, and low-lying districts for potential hazards.
Forecasts from weather officials predict additional heavy rainfall across Tokai, Kanto-Koshin, the Izu Islands, and Tohoku through Monday. Rainfall totals could reach 250 millimeters across Kanto, Tokai, and the Izu Islands by midday Tuesday. Tohoku may see up to 150 millimeters during the same period. Residents were advised to stay alert for landslides, flooding, rising rivers, strong winds, and high waves. As Typhoon Dujuan moves northeastward over waters near eastern Japan, local warnings and evacuation notices continue to be updated accordingly.