Japan Braces for Typhoon Ampil: Thousands Evacuated as Storm Intensifies

Lagatar24 Desk

Tokyo: Japan is on high alert as Typhoon Ampil approaches, prompting evacuation orders for thousands of residents in areas near the capital city, Tokyo. The powerful storm has rapidly intensified over the past two days, drawing moisture from warmer waters and reaching the strength equivalent to a Category 4 hurricane, according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC).

Top 10 Updates on Typhoon Ampil:

1. Storm Intensification: Typhoon Ampil, currently located 121 nautical miles southeast of Yokosuka in Greater Tokyo, has recorded winds up to 212 kilometers per hour (131 mph) as it moves north at 18 kph (11 mph), making it a formidable force.
2. Weather Warnings: Meteorological officials are warning residents in northern and eastern Japan of severe weather conditions, including strong winds, rough seas, heavy rainfall, and potential flooding and landslides.
3. Storm Path Uncertainty: Japan’s Meteorological Agency predicts that the storm’s center will remain slightly offshore as it turns northeast. If it stays offshore, Tokyo and other areas might experience light rain and wind, but a change in direction could lead to a much stronger impact or even landfall.
4. Evacuation Orders: Authorities have issued evacuation notices to nearly 17,000 homes in the coastal city of Isumi and similar warnings to residents in Yokohama, south of Tokyo.
5. Power Outages: As of this morning, over a thousand households lost power in coastal areas as rain and wind intensified, according to TEPCO, the electricity provider.
6. Transport Disruptions: Railways and airlines have cancelled services, despite the peak summer travel season. Major highways may also face partial closures as the storm hits.
7. Flight Cancellations: Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways have cancelled around 500 flights at Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita airports, affecting approximately 90,000 travelers. Other airports, including Kansai, Osaka, and Chubu, are also impacted.
8. Bullet Train Suspensions: Six bullet train lines, including the Tokaido line connecting Tokyo and Osaka, have suspended services or warned of significant delays. Trains running between Tokyo and Nagoya were halted, and services in northeastern Japan were temporarily suspended or slowed down.
9. Disneyland Closure: Tokyo Disneyland closed early today at 3 pm instead of the usual 9 pm due to the impending typhoon. Yamato Transport, a major delivery service including Amazon shipments, announced it would suspend deliveries in Tokyo and nearby areas for August 16-17.
10. Storm’s Expected Dissipation: The storm is expected to weaken by Saturday morning (August 17) as it moves into cooler waters. However, officials are urging residents to stay away from rivers and beaches and to secure loose objects that could become projectiles in the strong winds.

As Typhoon Ampil approaches, Japan remains on high alert, with residents and authorities taking necessary precautions to minimize the storm’s impact.