TOKYO, JAPAN / RankWire.AI / – Flooding and transportation interruptions have emerged across eastern Japan as a result of Typhoon Dujuan, which brought heavy rainfall and strong winds on Monday. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its highest landslide alert for Oshima in the Izu Islands shortly after midday. Some areas on the island chain received over 500 millimeters of rain, while Chiba Prefecture documented more than 300 millimeters from Saturday through early Monday afternoon. Authorities issued warnings about potential flooding, swollen rivers, landslides, and hazardous coastal conditions.
By noon, Dujuan was moving north-northeast over waters west of Hachijojima, maintaining a broad zone of storm-force winds. Meteorologists tracked the cyclone as it headed toward the Izu Islands and the Kanto region, with predictions indicating it would pass near Kanto later on Monday as it sped northeastward. Weather officials cautioned residents about the possibility of violent winds, turbulent seas, and additional heavy rainfall along eastern Pacific coastal areas. They also monitored the potential for linear rain bands, which could produce intense downpours over a brief period.
The storm has caused damage and led to closures in multiple prefectures. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism reported three landslides in Chiba by 2 p.m., destroying one home and damaging another partially. Miyazaki also experienced two landslides, resulting in one death and one injury. Heavy rain prompted the closure of 32 sections across six expressways and three national roads, while flooding and fallen trees blocked 16 prefectural road segments in Ibaraki, Saitama, and Chiba.
Heavy Rain Causes Flight Cancellations and Public Transit Disruptions
By 11 a.m., the ministry reported the cancellation of 384 flights scheduled for Monday, primarily affecting airports in the Kanto region. At that time, airport authorities had not reported any infrastructure damage preventing operations. The typhoon also impacted a major event in Chiba, leading to the cancellation of the final day of the Tokyo Game Show due to weather and transportation concerns. Travelers faced schedule adjustments as service providers modified their plans in response to worsening conditions.
Significant interruptions were also recorded in rail and maritime transportation networks. By 1:45 p.m., eight railway operators had suspended service on 16 conventional lines, with another planning suspensions affecting 12 additional routes. No Shinkansen disruptions had been reported at that point. Maritime operators halted 36 routes, mainly in Kanto and Kyushu, while highway bus companies suspended 62 routes, predominantly in Chiba and Nagano. Local buses also stopped 26 routes, although some services continued with partial suspensions.
Flood mitigation efforts intensify as Dujuan advances northeast
In response to the ongoing rainfall, authorities increased flood control measures along river basins near the typhoon’s projected path. Thirteen dams reached levels requiring pre-release actions, with three beginning early water releases. Flood-control operations were underway at nine dams, two of which were still actively managing water levels at noon. No reports of river flooding had been received by midday. Emergency teams deployed pumping and lighting vehicles to Chiba to support drainage efforts and overnight response activities, while local governments continued monitoring rivers, slopes, and low-lying areas.
Forecasts indicate continued heavy rain across Tokai, Kanto-Koshin, the Izu Islands, and Tohoku through Monday. Rainfall totals through midday Tuesday could reach 250 millimeters in Kanto, Tokai, and the Izu Islands, with Tohoku potentially receiving up to 150 millimeters during the same period. Authorities urged residents to stay alert for landslides, flooding, rising rivers, high winds, and large waves. As Typhoon Dujuan moves northeastward over waters near eastern Japan, warnings and evacuation notices are expected to be updated accordingly.