On Friday, Typhon Ampil has made an entry in Japan causing widespread disruptions in the region. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), classified the typhoon as “very strong”, causing emergency evacuations, power outage, during the Japan’s most busy summer holiday season.
The typhoon, which was located off the Pacific coast of Japan’s main island early Friday morning, is expected to move toward the Kanto region, encompassing Tokyo, later in the day.
As per the data, winds speed has reached almost 45 meters per second and blows up to 60 meters per second (216kph/134mph). Typhon Ampil poses a significant threat to the eastern parts of Japan. JMA issued warnings about potential injuries from flying debris and the risk of vehicles, particularly trucks, being overturned by the fierce winds.
As a safety measure against the typhoon, authorities in Mobara City, Chiba Prefecture, ordered the evacuation of approximately 18,500 residents. Several other cities have also opened special evacuation centers and advised voluntary evacuations as a precautionary measure.
The typhoon has caused morning blackouts affecting more than 2,000 households in the Kanto area, though power has since been restored in some regions, according to Tokyo Electric Power.
The impact on transportation has been significant. ANA Holdings announced the cancellation of 281 domestic flights and 54 international flights scheduled for Friday, affecting nearly 70,000 passengers. Japan Airlines also plans to cancel 281 domestic flights and 38 international flights, disrupting travel plans for about 50,000 passengers. Additionally, all Shinkansen bullet train services between Tokyo and Nagoya, a key industrial hub, have been suspended.
As Typhoon Ampil continues its approach, authorities and residents are bracing for further disruptions and damage in the coming hours.