By Adeyemi Adekunle
Japan was thrown into chaos on Friday as Typhoon Ampil, classified as “very strong” by the Japan Meteorological Agency, approached the eastern parts of the country. The powerful typhoon caused widespread disruption, leading to the grounding of hundreds of flights, urging tens of thousands of people to evacuate, and triggering power blackouts in the midst of a major summer holiday week.
In anticipation of the typhoon’s impact, the eastern region of Kanto, including the bustling capital Tokyo, braced itself for the ferocious winds and heavy rainfall forecasted for Friday evening. With wind speeds reaching 162 kph and maximum gusts of 216 kph, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued warnings of potential injuries from flying debris and the possibility of overturning trucks in motion.
As a precautionary measure, Iwaki City in Fukushima Prefecture evacuated approximately 323,000 residents due to the increasing likelihood of heavy rain through Saturday morning. Additionally, Mobara City in Chiba Prefecture ordered the evacuation of about 18,500 residents, while numerous other cities established special evacuation centers and advised residents to consider voluntary evacuation.
The impact of Typhoon Ampil wasn’t limited to residential areas. Tokyo Electric Power Co reported that more than 2,500 households in the Kanto area were experiencing blackouts during the afternoon. This disrupted normal life for numerous individuals and businesses in the affected regions.
The airline industry also felt the brunt of the typhoon’s force, with massive flight cancellations affecting tens of thousands of passengers. ANA Holdings and Japan Airlines announced the cancellation of hundreds of domestic and international flights, disrupting the travel plans of nearly 120,000 passengers between Friday and Saturday. Furthermore, all high-speed Shinkansen bullet train services between Tokyo and Nagoya were also canceled, compounding the logistical challenges caused by the typhoon.
The impact extended beyond transportation, affecting various entertainment and retail establishments. Restaurants, department stores, and amusement parks either closed or curtailed their business hours due to the impending danger posed by the typhoon. Notably, Tokyo Disneyland, a popular tourist destination, adjusted its operating hours, closing its gates earlier than scheduled on Friday.
With Typhoon Ampil’s imminent landfall, the nation has come together to weather the storm and mitigate its effects. Authorities have been working tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and visitors, and the public has been urged to exercise caution and follow evacuation orders to avoid potential harm. As the typhoon continues its path through Japan, the resilience and preparedness of the affected communities will be put to the test.
