Japan is on high alert as Typhoon Ampil approaches the country’s eastern coast, with meteorologists predicting it will make landfall late Thursday and affect the Pacific coast through Saturday. The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned of strong winds up to 180 km/h, heavy rainfall of up to 200mm in 24 hours, and the potential for flooding and landslides.The impending storm has caused significant disruptions to transportation networks. Japan Airlines has canceled 217 domestic and 26 international flights, while All Nippon Airways has canceled 280 domestic flights, collectively affecting over 100,000 passengers. The East Japan Railway Company has announced the suspension of several Shinkansen (bullet train) services, including parts of the Tohoku, Joetsu, Hokuriku, and Yamagata lines, as well as trains between Nagoya and Tokyo on the Tokaido Shinkansen line.The timing of Typhoon Ampil is particularly challenging as it coincides with Japan’s ‘Obon’ holiday period, when millions typically travel to their hometowns. Disaster Management Minister Yoshifumi Matsumura has urged the public to ‘stay informed about evacuation warnings and take timely measures to stay safe’.In a separate development, Japanese authorities have lifted the week-long ‘megaquake’ advisory for the Nankai Trough region. The advisory, Japan’s first-ever of its kind, was issued following a magnitude 7.1 earthquake off the southeastern coast of Kyushu. While no abnormalities were observed in seismic activity during the advisory period, officials emphasize that the risk of a major earthquake has not been eliminated. Japan still predicts a 70-80% chance of a Nankai Trough megaquake occurring within the next 30 years.
Key points
- Typhoon Ampil is expected to hit Japan’s eastern coast, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall.
- Over 100,000 passengers affected by flight and train cancellations due to the approaching typhoon.
- Japan lifts week-long ‘megaquake’ advisory for Nankai Trough region, but warns risk remains.
