Tokyo: Typhoon 'Changmi' brings heavy rain and strong winds across Japan, causing significant disruptions to transportation systems and manufacturing activities. The storm has led to the suspension of high-speed rail services and the cancellation of numerous domestic and international flights. Automotive giants Toyota and Suzuki have also halted production to mitigate the storm's impact.
According to Thai News Agency, the Japan Meteorological Agency has reported the formation of dense rain clouds east of Kanagawa Prefecture, located south of Tokyo, raising concerns about landslides and flooding. Authorities have issued a level 4 alert for potential flooding in several rivers, including the Kanda and Meguro rivers in Tokyo. A similar alert has been announced for landslides in various areas of Chiba, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, and Mie prefectures, with hundreds of thousands of residents in eight prefectures urged to prepare for evacuation.
Typhoon Changmi made landfall in Wakayama Prefecture as a typhoon with sustained winds reaching up to 126 kilometers per hour before moving inland and weakening. Despite weakening, it is expected to continue as a tropical storm throughout the day.
Airlines like Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways have announced the cancellation of nearly 900 domestic and international flights, while delays have affected Shinkansen bullet train services in the Kyushu region. Additionally, some train lines in Tokyo have suspended service, with more disruptions anticipated throughout the day.
In anticipation of severe weather, Toyota Motor announced the suspension of operations at 13 plants, and Suzuki Motor has halted production at all five of its plants in Shizuoka Prefecture. Earlier, the storm caused minor injuries to 16 people and power outages affecting nearly 60,000 households after making landfall on Okinawa Island.