Flights scrapped, evacuations urged as Typhoon Dujuan nears Japan

A powerful typhoon, named Dujuan, is approaching Japan's eastern coast on Monday, prompting authorities to issue warnings of potential floods and landslides. The storm is forecast to pass near Tokyo later in the day, with winds reaching speeds of 144 kilometers per hour. Dujuan is currently located about 110 kilometers from Hachijojima, one of Tokyo's most remote islands.

Parts of the Izu Islands and Chiba prefecture, near Tokyo, have already experienced heavy rainfall over the weekend. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has warned that the weather conditions could deteriorate rapidly, with rainfall totals through Tuesday potentially surpassing the average monthly rainfall for September, leading to record-breaking heavy rain.

Authorities have cautioned of the possibility of linear rain bands forming over central Japan and the Kanto region, including Tokyo, which could intensify the risk of rain-related disasters such as flash floods and landslides. Over 4,000 households in Chiba are currently without power, and an equestrian eventing competition in Aichi prefecture, currently hosting the Asian Games, has been postponed until Tuesday.

The typhoon's impact may also affect travel plans during Japan's Silver Week holiday, currently underway, as over 4,000 flights have been canceled by Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways. Some railway services have been suspended in Tokyo and neighboring areas.