Tokyo, September 22 (Daily Kiran) : The powerful Typhoon Dujan has caused significant destruction in Japan, leading to the deaths of two individuals and leaving four others missing. Heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides have been reported in areas surrounding Tokyo. Approximately 50,000 homes experienced power outages due to the storm.
Japanese authorities have confirmed that the typhoon has moved northeast and is now departing from Japan. As a result, the warning levels for heavy rain and landslides have been reduced in most areas. However, the risk of ground subsidence and rising river levels remains due to the persistent rainfall.
In Kanagawa Prefecture, a landslide in Yokosuka City led to the tragic death of a 60-year-old woman when mud and debris inundated her home. Another fatality was reported in Chiba Prefecture. Search operations continue in landslide-affected areas, with rescue teams working diligently to locate the missing.
In Miura City, Kanagawa, additional homes were impacted by landslides. Local media reports indicate that four individuals are currently unaccounted for. In Sodegaura City, Chiba Prefecture, a 51-year-old man died while operating heavy machinery for road repairs when he was caught in a landslide.
Authorities advised residents in Tokyo and surrounding areas to evacuate to safer locations. The Japan Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported that over 1.6 million people were advised to evacuate on Monday, although the order was not mandatory.
Izuhoshima recorded unprecedented rainfall, with 832 millimeters falling in just 48 hours, more than double the average for the entire month of September. Edogawa Ward in Tokyo also set a record, receiving 282.5 millimeters in a 24-hour period.
The heavy rains have led to widespread flooding, submerging roads in several areas. Floodwaters have invaded residential neighborhoods in Chiba and the Kanto region, trapping numerous vehicles. Officials urged the public to avoid flooded roads and underground spaces.
The storm has also severely impacted electricity supply. By Tuesday morning, around 50,000 homes in Chiba and nearby areas were without power. Utility companies and local authorities are working to restore service.
Transportation systems have been heavily disrupted, with Japan Airlines canceling 135 flights and All Nippon Airways grounding 140 flights. Additionally, several rail services in Tokyo and surrounding regions were halted or limited.
The final day of the Tokyo Game Show, a major international video game trade fair, was cut short due to the storm, along with the cancellation of several other events.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Typhoon Dujan is moving northeast away from Japan as of Tuesday morning. Following its weakening, warning levels have been lowered in many areas, but officials caution that the saturated ground still poses a risk for landslides.
Japan frequently experiences powerful storms during the transition from summer to early autumn. Scientists warn that rising global temperatures, driven by human activity, increase the likelihood of heavy rainfall, as warmer air holds more moisture.
Despite the storm moving away, relief and rescue operations continue. Officials are focused on locating missing persons, assessing landslide-affected areas, and restoring electricity and transportation services.
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