TOKYO, Japan: Typhoon Dujuan forced the cancellation of at least 275 flights in Japan on Monday and prompted warnings of potentially record-breaking rainfall as the storm approached Tokyo.
The typhoon, accompanied by strong winds, also caused the early closure of one of the world’s biggest video game trade fairs in the capital and left thousands of households without power.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) warned on Sunday that rainfall and winds were expected to intensify ahead of the typhoon’s arrival. “The total rainfall through Tuesday could exceed the average monthly rainfall for September, resulting in record-breaking heavy rain,” the agency said.
READ ALSO: Typhoon Threatens Asian Games in Japan After Record Rainfall
The typhoon had sustained winds of 144 kilometres (89 miles) per hour as it passed about 110 kilometres from Hachijojima, one of Tokyo’s most remote islands. More than 4,000 households in Chiba, neighbouring Tokyo, were without power on Monday, while the JMA and local authorities warned residents of heavy rain and possible landslides.
Japan Airlines cancelled 120 domestic and 15 international flights, while All Nippon Airways cancelled 140 domestic flights. Railway operators in Tokyo and surrounding areas also suspended services on some lines.
Tokyo Game Show, one of the world’s biggest video game trade fairs, was cancelled on Monday, its final day, because of the storm. A major outdoor music festival and a baseball match scheduled to take place in Chiba were also cancelled.
