TOKYO, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – Eastern Japan experienced heavy rainfall and strong winds on Monday as Typhoon Dujuan battered the region, leading to widespread travel disruptions and emergency landslide alerts. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its most severe landslide warning for Oshima in the Izu Islands shortly after midday. Some areas within the island chain received over 500 millimeters of rain, while Chiba Prefecture recorded more than 300 millimeters from Saturday until early Monday afternoon. Officials cautioned residents about risks of flooding, swollen rivers, landslides, and hazardous coastal conditions.
At midday, Dujuan was progressing north-northeast over waters to the west of Hachijojima, maintaining an extensive storm-force wind zone. Meteorologists tracked its movement towards the Izu Islands and Kanto. The typhoon was forecasted to pass near Kanto later in the day as it accelerated northeastward, with warnings issued for violent winds, rough seas, and additional heavy rainfall along the eastern Pacific coast. Authorities also kept a close watch on linear rain bands, which can cause intense localized downpours over a short period.
The storm caused significant damage and closures across several prefectures. By 2 p.m., the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism reported three landslides in Chiba. One residence was destroyed, and another sustained partial damage. Miyazaki also experienced two landslides, resulting in one fatality and one injury. Heavy rain led to the closure of 32 sections on six expressways and three national roads. Flooded areas and fallen trees shut down 16 prefectural road sections across Ibaraki, Saitama, and Chiba.
Heavy Rain Causes Flight and Public Transport Cancellations
By 11 a.m., the ministry reported the cancellation of 384 flights scheduled for Monday, mostly affecting airports in the Kanto region. No infrastructure damage had been reported that would hinder airport operations at that time. The typhoon also impacted a major event in Chiba; organizers canceled the final day of the Tokyo Game Show due to the storm and related transportation issues. Passengers faced changing schedules as transport providers adjusted services in response to worsening weather conditions.
Rail and maritime transportation experienced notable disruptions. Eight train operators suspended service on 16 conventional lines by 1:45 p.m., with another planning to suspend 12 additional routes. At that time, no Shinkansen suspensions had been reported. Maritime services halted 36 routes, mainly in Kanto and Kyushu, while highway bus companies suspended 62 routes, primarily in Chiba and Nagano. Local buses stopped 26 routes, although some services continued with partial suspensions.
Flood Control Efforts Expand as Dujuan Moves Northeast
As rainfall accumulated across river basins near Dujuan’s path, authorities increased flood control measures. Thirteen dams reached thresholds requiring pre-release actions, and three began early water releases. Nine dams carried out flood-control operations, with two still active at midday. No reports of river flooding had been received by noon. Emergency teams deployed pumping and lighting vehicles to Chiba to support drainage and overnight response efforts. Local governments maintained vigilance over rivers, slopes, and low-lying areas.
Forecasts predict additional heavy rain across Tokai, Kanto-Koshin, the Izu Islands, and Tohoku through Monday. Rain totals expected through Tuesday midday could reach 250 millimeters across Kanto, Tokai, and the Izu Islands, while Tohoku could receive up to 150 millimeters. Officials urged residents to stay alert for landslides, flooding, rising rivers, strong winds, and high waves. As Typhoon Dujuan moves further northeast over waters near eastern Japan, warnings and evacuation advisories continue to evolve accordingly.