Tropical Storm Jangmi swept into the densely populated Tokyo region on Wednesday, unleashing torrential rain, flooding risks and widespread transport disruption as authorities urged residents in vulnerable areas to move to higher ground.
The storm triggered major delays and cancellations across Japan’s transport network. Hundreds of flights were grounded, train services were suspended or slowed, and more than 5,000 homes lost power, according to Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings. In central Tokyo, residents living near the Zenpukuji River were advised to evacuate as muddy, swollen waters surged dangerously close to overflowing.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) said Jangmi was located east of Shima city by midmorning, moving northeast with maximum sustained winds of 90 kph (55 mph). The agency issued its highest‑level flood warnings for parts of central and eastern Japan, urging people living near rivers or in low‑lying areas to seek immediate safety.
In the Owase region of central Japan, the storm dumped 50 centimetres (20 inches) of rain in just 24 hours. Tokyo and surrounding prefectures were forecast to receive up to 20 centimetres (8 inches) more through Thursday morning.
Jangmi made landfall earlier in Wakayama Prefecture at typhoon strength, packing winds of 126 kph (78 mph) before weakening as it moved inland. Despite the downgrade, forecasters said the system would maintain tropical‑storm intensity for much of the day.
The storm had already battered Okinawa, where 15 people suffered minor injuries.
+ There are no comments
Add yours