As Typhoon Ampil nears Japan, the country faces widespread disruptions to its transport network. On Thursday, hundreds of flights and trains were canceled, impacting travel plans during a busy holiday week. Typhoon Ampil, following closely on the heels of Tropical Storm Maria, is expected to skirt the Tokyo region before moving up the Pacific coast over the weekend.
Significant cancellations are affecting Japan’s bullet train services, including the vital line between Tokyo and Nagoya. The typhoon’s approach has led All Nippon Airways (ANA) to cancel about 280 domestic flights for Friday, impacting over 60,000 passengers. Japan Airlines has also suspended 191 domestic flights and 26 international services, affecting approximately 38,600 travelers.
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Typhoon Ampil, categorized as “strong,” was located about 300 kilometers (190 miles) from Chichijima Island as of 9:00 a.m. local time, with wind gusts reaching up to 180 kilometers per hour. The typhoon is forecasted to move back into the Pacific Ocean on Saturday and Sunday.
This disruption comes during Japan’s “obon” holiday week, a time when many people travel to their hometowns. Disaster Management Minister Yoshifumi Matsumura has urged the public to stay updated on evacuation advisories and take precautionary measures.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned of severe weather conditions including strong winds, flooding, overflowing rivers, and potential landslides in eastern regions. The increasing frequency and intensity of such typhoons are linked to climate change, as highlighted by recent studies analyzing storm patterns from the 19th century to the end of the 21st century.