TOKYO, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – The Japan Meteorological Agency issued urgent warnings as Typhoon Dujuan delivered unprecedented rainfall and fierce winds to eastern Japan on Monday. The agency designated Oshima in the Izu Islands under a Level 5 landslide alert at 12:40 p.m., as heavy precipitation pushed totals in some areas beyond 500 millimeters. Chiba Prefecture alone recorded more than 300 millimeters from Saturday through early Monday afternoon. Officials advised residents to remain vigilant for flooding, overflowing rivers, and hazardous waves.
By midday, the powerful and expansive typhoon was traveling north-northeast over the waters west of Hachijojima, maintaining a storm-force wind zone as it advanced toward the Izu Islands and the Kanto region. Meteorologists forecasted an increased speed for the system, expecting it to pass near Kanto later in the day. Authorities warned of severe winds, tumultuous seas, and continued heavy rain across eastern coastal regions of the Pacific. Additional linear rain bands could intensify rainfall over Tokai, Kanto, and the Izu Islands.
The transport ministry reported three landslides in Chiba Prefecture by 2 p.m., which resulted in one house being destroyed and another partially damaged. Miyazaki Prefecture also experienced two landslides, with one fatality, one injury, and damage to a residence. Flooding and fallen trees caused closures on 32 sections of six expressways and three parts of two national routes. Across Ibaraki, Saitama, and Chiba, 16 prefectural roads were shut down due to flooding and debris.
Heavy Rainfall Elevates Flood and Landslide Hazards
The aviation sector faced significant disruptions, with the transport ministry canceling 384 flights scheduled for Monday by its 11 a.m. update. Japan Airlines canceled 135 flights, ANA canceled 139, and other carriers grounded 110 flights. Most cancellations impacted airports within the Kanto region. At that time, airport officials reported no damage to facilities that would hinder flight operations. Additionally, organizers called off the final day of the Tokyo Game Show in Chiba due to the typhoon.
Rail services were also affected, with eight operators suspending service on 16 conventional lines by 1:45 p.m. One company planned to suspend 12 additional lines. No Shinkansen services had been halted at that point. Maritime transport operators ceased 36 routes, primarily serving Kanto and Kyushu, while highway bus services suspended 62 routes, mainly in Chiba and Nagano. Local bus companies also halted 26 routes, predominantly in Tokyo and Chiba, with some services operating partially.
Extensive Disruptions to Transportation Networks
Flood control measures intensified as rain accumulated across rivers near the typhoon’s trajectory. Thirteen dams reached thresholds requiring pre-release actions, with three conducting early water releases. Flood management operations were underway at nine dams, two of which continued at noon. By that time, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism had not received reports of river flooding. Emergency crews deployed pumps and lighting vehicles to Chiba to assist with drainage and nighttime operations.
Meteorologists forecasted storm-level rainfall in Tokai, Kanto-Koshin, the Izu Islands, and Tohoku through Monday. Predicted totals through noon Tuesday were 250 millimeters for Kanto, Tokai, and the Izu Islands, with 150 millimeters expected for Tohoku. Officials urged heightened caution regarding landslides, flooding, rising rivers, strong winds, and high waves. The official forecast indicated the typhoon would be near Kanto Monday night as it accelerated northeastward. Local authorities continued issuing warnings and evacuation advisories as weather conditions evolved.