Typhoon Dujuan Brings Fatal Floods and Travel Disruption to Japan

A powerful typhoon struck Japan on Monday, triggering evacuation orders for over 1.6 million residents and causing significant disruption to transportation networks near the capital. Typhoon Dujuan, which had wind speeds reaching approximately 144 km/h (89 mph), passed about 130 km south of Katsuura, leaving thousands of households without power.

According to Kyodo News, local authorities have confirmed two fatalities. By Tuesday morning, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that the storm had weakened slightly and was moving northeast toward the Aleutian Islands, away from the coast.

Despite the storm’s forward movement, warnings remain in effect. JMA official Takuya Hosomi cautioned that rain risk persists in areas under advisories as the system continues northward. The agency had previously warned that rainfall through Tuesday could surpass average September totals, potentially setting records for heavy precipitation.

The severe weather caused widespread travel chaos. Japan Airlines canceled 135 flights and All Nippon Airways scrapped 140, stranding passengers at terminals including Haneda Airport in Tokyo. Rail services were also disrupted, with Japan Railways suspending bullet train operations between Tokyo and Osaka.

Flooding was observed in several locations, including Kamakura and Ichikawa east of Tokyo. Mayor Takashi Matsuo of Kamakura warned residents on social media that driving was dangerous due to inundated roads. The severe weather also forced the early closure of the Tokyo Game Show on its final day, and organizers canceled a major outdoor music festival and a baseball match in Chiba Prefecture.

Dujuan marks the 25th typhoon to hit Japan this year, continuing a pattern of strong late-summer and early-autumn storms in the region.