TOKYO (AP) — Dangerous flooding conditions struck Japan’s capital region Wednesday as Tropical Storm Jangmi brought torrential rainfall to east-central areas of the country.
The severe weather brought street traffic to a standstill throughout the city, forced the cancellation of hundreds of airline flights, and caused significant delays and suspensions across the rail network. Power outages affected more than 5,000 households, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings reported.
Authorities issued evacuation advisories for residents living near the Zenpukuji River in central Tokyo. Broadcast images revealed the river’s muddy waters had risen dangerously close to overflowing its banks.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Tropical Storm Jangmi was positioned east of Shima city during mid-morning hours, tracking northeast with maximum sustained winds reaching 90 kph (55 mph).
Weather officials declared the most severe flood warning level across multiple regions in central and eastern Japan, strongly advising residents in river valleys and other at-risk locations to evacuate to elevated areas immediately.
The weather system delivered 50 centimeters (20 inches) of rainfall over a 24-hour period in the Owase region of central Japan. Forecasters predicted an additional 20 centimeters (8 inches) could fall by Thursday morning across various areas, including Tokyo, according to JMA officials.
The storm initially struck Wakayama prefecture as a typhoon with winds of 126 kph (78 mph) before moving inland and losing considerable strength. Weather experts expected it to continue as a tropical storm for most of the day.
Before reaching the mainland, the typhoon passed through Okinawa’s southern island region, where it caused minor injuries to 15 individuals.
