TOKYO, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – On Monday, Typhoon Dujuan struck eastern Japan with heavy rainfall and fierce winds, prompting emergency warnings for landslides and causing widespread interruptions to transportation. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its top landslide alert for Oshima in the Izu Islands shortly after midday, as parts of the island chain experienced rainfall exceeding 500 millimeters. Chiba Prefecture also recorded more than 300 millimeters of rain from Saturday until early Monday afternoon. Authorities advised residents to prepare for flooding, rising rivers, landslides, and hazardous coastal conditions.
At midday, Dujuan was progressing north-northeast over waters off Hachijojima, maintaining a broad zone of storm-force winds. Weather forecasts tracked the system moving toward the Izu Islands and the Kanto region, with predictions that the typhoon would pass near Kanto later on Monday as it sped northeast. Meteorologists issued warnings of intense winds, turbulent seas, and additional heavy rainfall along the eastern Pacific coastline. They also kept a close watch on linear rain bands, which have the potential to produce intense localized downpours within a short time frame.
The storm has also caused damage and led to closures across multiple prefectures. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism reported three landslides in Chiba by 2 p.m., with one home completely destroyed and another partially damaged. Additionally, two landslides occurred in Miyazaki, resulting in one fatality and one injury. Heavy rain prompted the closure of 32 sections on six expressways and three national roads. Flooding and fallen trees also blocked 16 prefectural roads across Ibaraki, Saitama, and Chiba.
Flight cancellations and public transport disruptions due to heavy rain
By 11 a.m., the ministry’s update indicated that 384 flights scheduled for Monday had been canceled. The majority of these affected airports serving the Kanto area. At that time, airport authorities had not reported any damage to infrastructure preventing flight operations. The typhoon also impacted a major event in Chiba; organizers canceled the final day of the Tokyo Game Show because of the storm and transportation issues. Travelers experienced schedule adjustments as service providers responded to worsening weather conditions.
Rail and maritime services also faced significant interruptions. Eight rail operators suspended service on 16 traditional train lines by 1:45 p.m., with another operator planning to halt 12 additional routes. No suspensions involving the Shinkansen had been reported at that time. Maritime routes were halted on 36 lines, mainly in the Kanto and Kyushu regions. Highway bus companies suspended 62 routes, primarily in Chiba and Nagano, while local bus services halted 26 routes, although some continued with partial suspensions.
Flood control measures intensify as Dujuan advances northeast
Authorities increased flood mitigation efforts as heavy rains accumulated in river basins along Dujuan’s projected path. Thirteen dams reached thresholds prompting pre-release actions, and three began releasing water proactively. Nine dams carried out flood control operations, with two still active at noon. No reports of river flooding had been received by midday. Emergency crews deployed pumping and lighting vehicles to Chiba to support drainage and overnight response efforts. Local governments continued monitoring river levels, slopes, and low-lying areas closely.
Meteorologists forecast additional heavy rain across Tokai, Kanto-Koshin, the Izu Islands, and Tohoku through Monday, with expected rainfall reaching 250 millimeters in Kanto, Tokai, and the Izu Islands by noon Tuesday. Tohoku could see up to 150 millimeters during the same period. Residents were urged to stay vigilant for potential landslides, flooding, rising rivers, strong winds, and high waves. As Typhoon Dujuan progresses northeastward over waters near eastern Japan, warnings and evacuation advisories continue to be updated to reflect the evolving situation.