Tokyo: A powerful typhoon was approaching Japan’s Pacific coast on September 21, bringing torrential rain, violent winds and a heightened risk of landslides across the Kanto region and other parts of eastern Japan, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) stated.
The JMA warned that weather conditions could deteriorate rapidly as Typhoon Dujuan was forecast to pass close to the Tokyo metropolitan area on September 21. Authorities urged people in affected areas to remain alert to possible flooding, landslides and other weather-related hazards as rainfall intensified.
Heavy rain had already affected parts of the Izu Islands, Chiba Prefecture and other Pacific coastal areas. Some locations recorded more than 300 mm (12 inches) of rainfall since September 19, increasing concerns about saturated ground and the potential for further flooding.
The JMA stated that rainfall could intensify from the afternoon of September 21 as the typhoon neared the Kanto region, which includes Tokyo and surrounding prefectures. Authorities warned that the combination of heavy rain and strong winds could disrupt transport and daily activities across parts of eastern Japan.
At the Asian Games in central Japan’s Aichi Prefecture, organisers postponed the equestrian eventing competition until September 22 because of the approaching storm.
Authorities also cautioned that linear rain bands could form over Kanto and central Japan, sharply increasing the risk of flash floods and other rain-related disasters.
Linear rain bands are narrow areas where powerful rain clouds develop and remain concentrated over the same location for several hours. Such systems can produce exceptionally heavy rainfall over a limited area, making them a significant concern during major weather events in Japan.
The JMA urged residents to monitor weather updates and evacuation information as the typhoon approached. Local authorities may issue evacuation advisories depending on rainfall levels, river conditions and landslide risks.
Typhoon Dujuan comes amid a year of extreme weather events around the world, with unusually intense rainfall, flooding and tropical cyclones affecting regions across East Asia, North America and Europe.
Japan regularly experiences typhoons during the Pacific storm season, with authorities maintaining extensive warning and evacuation systems to respond to heavy rainfall, flooding, landslides and strong winds.
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