TOKYO – In anticipation of the approaching tropical storm “Ampil,” which could potentially intensify into a typhoon, Japan has now taken preventive measures to ensure the safety of its citizens. Hundreds of flights and train services have been canceled, leading to significant disruptions, especially during the holiday season and around the Buddhist Obon festival, one of the busiest times of the year.
The Japanese airline ANA has canceled around 280 domestic flights, while Japan Airlines has canceled 191 domestic and 26 international flights, affecting approximately 100,000 passengers. The operation of high-speed trains, particularly on the heavily trafficked route between Tokyo and Nagoya, has been partially suspended.
The weather authority has warned of strong gusts, flooding, and landslides, primarily in the eastern regions, which are expected to be the most affected. Disaster Management Minister Yoshifumi Matsumura has called on the public to inform themselves about evacuation advisories and to seek safety early. Memories of the recently passed tropical storm “Maria,” which caused heavy rainfall and flooding, are still fresh. More than 300,000 residents of the Iwate region in northern Japan received evacuation advisories, and hundreds spent the night in emergency shelters.
The current situation poses a tremendous challenge to infrastructure and public life. Local transport operators such as Central Japan Railway have announced the suspension of all Tokaido Shinkansen trains between Tokyo and Nagoya on Friday. East Japan Railway has warned of possible train cancellations on the Shinkansen lines Tohoku, Hokuriku, Joetsu, Akita, and Yamagata, as well as on local lines in the Kanto region. Airports Haneda and Narita may also be affected by the storm, as well as highway sections.
The Japan Meteorological Agency warns of strong winds, high waves, and heavy rain, and urges the public to take precautions. The storm is moving northeast at 15 kilometers per hour and had a central pressure of 975 hectopascals on Wednesday evening, with a maximum sustained wind speed of 108 km/h and gusts of up to 162 km/h. Sustained winds of 144 km/h and gusts of up to 216 km/h are expected on Friday, underscoring the need for caution.
The precipitation forecasts are also alarming, with up to 200 millimeters expected in the Kanto-Koshin region and 150 millimeters in the Tokai region within 24 hours. The exact path of the storm is still unclear, but even if it does not make direct landfall, torrential rains and violent winds threaten. The population is urged to closely follow weather reports and prepare for possible evacuations. (zai)