Typhoon Ampil Disrupts Travel and Power in Japan's Kanto Region

As of August 16, 2024, Japan faces significant disruptions due to the approach of Typhoon Ampil, a weather system classified as "very strong" by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The typhoon's impact is being felt across the country's eastern regions, particularly in the densely populated Kanto area, which includes Tokyo.

The JMA, established in 1875, reported Ampil's position off Japan's Pacific coast at 23:50 GMT on August 15. With wind speeds reaching 45 meters per second and gusts up to 60 meters per second (216 km/h), the agency has issued stern warnings about potential hazards.

"The Kanto region is expected to experience fierce winds that could cause injuries from flying debris or even overturn trucks in motion."

In response to the impending threat, authorities have taken precautionary measures. Nearly 10,000 households near Tokyo received evacuation advisories, while Mobara City in Chiba Prefecture issued an evacuation order affecting approximately 18,500 residents. It's worth noting that Japan employs a 5-level scale for evacuation orders, reflecting the seriousness of the situation.

The storm has already caused power outages, with over 2,000 households in the Kanto area experiencing blackouts. Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO), Japan's largest electric utility, reported that power has been restored in some areas.

Transportation services have been severely affected. ANA Holdings, Japan's largest airline by passenger numbers, announced the cancellation of 281 domestic and 54 international flights, impacting nearly 70,000 travelers. Similarly, Japan Airlines has canceled 281 domestic and 38 international flights, affecting about 50,000 passengers. The Shinkansen bullet train service, which began operations in 1964 and is renowned for its punctuality, has suspended all routes between Tokyo and Nagoya.

Japan, an archipelago of 6,852 islands, experiences an average of three typhoons making landfall each year. The current typhoon season, which typically runs from May to October, has brought Ampil to the country's shores. As the most populous of Japan's regions, Kanto, including Tokyo - the world's largest metropolitan area with over 37 million inhabitants - faces a significant challenge in managing this severe weather event.

As Typhoon Ampil approaches, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, prioritizing public safety in the face of this powerful storm. The coming hours will be crucial as the typhoon is expected to reach the Kanto region by the afternoon of August 16, 2024.