Japan issues evacuation orders as Typhoon Dujuan approaches Tokyo

Powerful Typhoon Dujuan approached Japan’s Pacific coast on Monday, increasing the risk of torrential rain, strong winds and landslides in the Kanto region, including areas around Tokyo.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the typhoon is expected to pass close to the Tokyo metropolitan area during the day, with weather conditions forecast to deteriorate rapidly. Heavy rain has already been recorded in the Izu Islands and parts of Japan’s Pacific coast. In some areas, rainfall has exceeded 300 millimeters since Saturday, Sept. 19.

Highest-level warning issued

A level-five emergency warning for landslides, the highest alert level, was issued for Oshima in the Izu Islands, about 110 kilometers south of Tokyo. The Meteorological Agency warned that rainfall could intensify further on Monday afternoon as the typhoon approaches the Kanto region.

According to NTV, citing the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, evacuation orders covering 1.67 million residents in Tokyo and neighboring prefectures remained in effect as of 3 p.m. local time.

Authorities also warned that linear rain bands capable of producing extremely heavy rain over several hours could develop in confined areas. Such rainfall increases the risk of sudden flooding and landslides.

Typhoon affects events and travel

Severe weather has also affected major events in Japan. Equestrian competitions scheduled in Aichi Prefecture as part of the Asian Games have been postponed until Tuesday.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s trip to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly was delayed by four hours. She is expected to depart Tokyo at 11 p.m. local time.

As the typhoon approached, large waves were observed along the coast of Kamakura in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Japan’s Meteorological Agency regularly issues multi-level warnings for heavy rain, flooding and landslides so local authorities can order evacuations and residents can move to safer locations. Level-five alerts indicate that a disaster is already occurring or is highly likely and that people should protect their lives immediately.