Tokyo: Tropical Storm Jangmi swept across large parts of Japan on Wednesday, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and widespread disruption to daily life. The storm left tens of thousands of homes without electricity, forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights and prompted authorities to issue evacuation warnings as concerns grew over flooding and landslides.
Japanese weather officials said the storm made landfall in western Japan before moving northeast toward central and eastern regions. Although Jangmi weakened after coming ashore, it continued to bring dangerous weather conditions, including torrential rainfall and powerful wind gusts that affected transportation networks and public services.
One of the most significant impacts of the storm was the loss of electricity to around 60,000 households. Power companies worked throughout the day to restore service, but many residents were left without electricity as strong winds damaged power lines and other infrastructure. Emergency teams were deployed to affected areas to assist with repairs and monitor conditions.
Authorities also urged residents in vulnerable locations to remain alert as rivers swelled and rainfall continued. Several local governments issued evacuation advisories for communities at risk of flooding or landslides. Officials warned that saturated ground conditions could increase the likelihood of landslides, especially in mountainous regions.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported extremely heavy rainfall in some areas. Certain regions received rainfall totals that were among the highest recorded this year, raising fears of flash floods and river overflows. Weather experts stressed that even though the storm had weakened from its earlier strength, the threat from intense rain remained serious.
Travel across the country was heavily affected. Airlines cancelled hundreds of domestic and international flights, disrupting the plans of tens of thousands of passengers. Major carriers advised travellers to check schedules regularly as weather conditions continued to change throughout the day.
Rail services also experienced significant interruptions. Some high speed train routes were delayed or temporarily suspended because of strong winds and safety concerns. Local train services in several prefectures faced delays, while road transport was affected by flooding and poor visibility. Ferry services operating in coastal areas were also suspended due to rough seas.
The storm had already caused problems in the southern islands before reaching mainland Japan. In Okinawa, strong winds and heavy rain led to power outages and travel disruptions earlier in the week. As the weather system moved northward, emergency authorities increased preparedness measures across the country.
Several businesses and manufacturing facilities temporarily halted operations as a precaution. Some automobile manufacturers suspended production at selected plants to ensure employee safety and prevent damage to equipment. Schools and public institutions in affected areas also adjusted schedules in response to weather warnings.
Despite the widespread disruption, reports indicated that injuries were limited. Authorities said several people suffered minor injuries related to storm conditions, including accidents caused by strong winds and falling objects. No large scale loss of life was reported as emergency services continued monitoring the situation.
As Jangmi moves away from Japan, meteorologists expect weather conditions to gradually improve. However, officials have warned that heavy rain could continue in some eastern regions for a period of time, meaning the risk of flooding and landslides may remain even after the storm passes.
The latest storm serves as another reminder of Japan's vulnerability to severe weather during the Pacific typhoon season. Authorities are urging residents to follow official weather updates and evacuation instructions as recovery efforts continue across the affected regions.