TOKYO, Sept 21 — Typhoon Dujuan forced the cancellation of at least 275 flights in Japan today and prompted warnings of potentially record-breaking rainfall as the storm nears Tokyo.
The typhoon, which is accompanied by high winds, has also led to the early closure in the capital of one the world’s biggest video game trade fairs and knocked out power for thousands.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) warned yesterday that rain and winds were expected to intensify even before 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.
The typhoon’s wind speeds were at 144 kilometres per hour as the storm was approximately 110 kilometres from Hachijojima, one of Tokyo’s farthest islands.
Today, more than 4,000 households in Chiba, next to Tokyo, were without power, 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 neighbouring regions suspended services on some lines.
Tokyo Game Show, one of the world’s biggest video game trade fair which kicked off on Thursday, was called off on Monday, its final day.
A major outdoor music festival and a baseball match both scheduled to be held in Chiba were also cancelled. — AFP
