TYPHOON DUJUAN APPROACHES TOKYO AS FLOOD AND LANDSLIDE WARNINGS INTENSIFY
Typhoon Dujuan is approaching Japan's Pacific coast, threatening Tokyo and the wider Kanto region with torrential rain, strong winds, flooding and landslides. More than 300 millimetres of rain has fallen in some areas since Saturday, while authorities have issued their highest landslide warning for Oshima and postponed an Asian Games equestrian competition.
Typhoon Dujuan is approaching Japan's Pacific coast, bringing torrential rain and powerful winds as authorities warn of an increasing risk of flooding and landslides across the Tokyo region and other parts of eastern Japan.
The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that weather conditions could deteriorate rapidly on Monday as the typhoon moves close to the Kanto region, which includes Tokyo and surrounding prefectures.
Some locations along Japan's Pacific coast have already recorded more than 300 millimetres of rainfall since Saturday.
Authorities are particularly concerned about the possibility of linear rain bands developing over Kanto and central Japan, potentially producing intense rainfall over concentrated areas for several hours.
MORE THAN 300 MILLIMETRES OF RAIN
Heavy rainfall has already affected the Izu Islands, Chiba Prefecture and other areas along Japan's Pacific coast.
Some locations have received more than 300 millimetres of rain since Saturday as the storm approaches.
The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that rainfall could intensify as Dujuan moves closer to the Tokyo metropolitan area.
Residents have been urged to remain alert for landslides, flooding in low lying areas, swollen rivers, violent winds and high waves.
HIGHEST LANDSLIDE WARNING ISSUED FOR OSHIMA
The threat is particularly serious in the Izu Islands south of Tokyo.
Authorities issued the highest level landslide emergency warning for Oshima after prolonged heavy rainfall increased the danger of slope failures.
Oshima lies approximately 110 kilometres south of Tokyo and is part of the Izu island chain.
Warnings have also been issued across other areas of Kanto and Japan's Pacific coast as authorities monitor rainfall levels.
LINEAR RAIN BANDS COULD DEVELOP
Japan's weather agency warned that linear rain bands could form over Kanto and parts of central Japan.
These weather systems occur when powerful rain clouds repeatedly develop and move across the same narrow area.
They can produce extremely heavy rainfall over several hours and sharply increase the risk of flash flooding and landslides.
Japanese authorities have increasingly focused on forecasting these systems because of their potential to cause severe disasters with relatively little warning.
TOKYO REGION PREPARES FOR STRONGER CONDITIONS
The Kanto region is home to Tokyo and tens of millions of people across surrounding prefectures.
Authorities warned that conditions could worsen rapidly as the typhoon approaches.
Heavy rain and strong winds could affect transportation, roads and other infrastructure across the region.
Residents in vulnerable areas have been advised to follow official weather information and local evacuation instructions as the storm progresses.
ASIAN GAMES EVENT POSTPONED
Typhoon Dujuan is already disrupting sporting events in Japan.
Organisers of the Asian Games in Aichi Prefecture postponed the equestrian eventing competition until Tuesday because of the approaching storm.
The Aichi Nagoya Asian Games are taking place as Japan deals with the severe weather affecting eastern and central parts of the country.
Organisers are monitoring weather conditions as they determine whether further schedule changes will be necessary.
PRIME MINISTER'S US DEPARTURE DELAYED
The storm has also affected Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's international travel schedule.
Her departure for New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly was delayed by four hours because of the typhoon.
The government said she was expected to leave Tokyo at 11 p.m. local time.
The delay illustrates the growing disruption as authorities prepare for the storm's closest approach to the Tokyo region.
AUTHORITIES WARN OF RAPID DETERIORATION
Japan's weather agency has stressed that conditions could deteriorate quickly.
Even areas that have not yet experienced severe weather could face intense rainfall as the storm moves along the Pacific coast.
Authorities are monitoring rivers, slopes and low lying areas where accumulated rainfall could increase the likelihood of flooding or landslides.
People in affected areas have been urged to avoid unnecessary travel and remain attentive to evacuation information issued by local authorities.
The situation remains developing as Typhoon Dujuan continues its approach toward eastern Japan.
