Typhoon Ampil, currently moving off Japan’s eastern coast, has prompted the evacuation of tens of thousands of people as strong winds and heavy rains batter the country. The Japan Meteorological Agency upgraded Typhoon Ampil, which means “tamarind” in Cambodian, to a severe storm on August 16. The typhoon is expected to bring violent winds and torrential rains to the Kanto region, including Tokyo, raising concerns over flying debris and hazardous conditions.
More than 2,000 households in the Kanto region experienced power outages, though power has been partially restored. In the city of Mobara in Chiba Prefecture, authorities have ordered the evacuation of around 18,500 people. Over 10 other cities have opened evacuation centers and issued voluntary evacuation advisories for residents.
Transportation has been severely affected as well, with hundreds of flights canceled. Japan Airlines plans to cancel 281 domestic flights and 38 international flights, impacting around 50,000 passengers. All Nippon Airways (ANA) will cancel 281 domestic flights and 54 international flights, affecting nearly 70,000 passengers. The high-speed Shinkansen bullet train service between Tokyo and Nagoya has been entirely suspended.
Typhoon Ampil is expected to brush past the northeastern Kanto region later in the afternoon. (TNA)
