As Typhoon Ampil intensifies in Japan and edges closer to Japan’s eastern region, the Japanese government has mandated evacuations and canceled numerous flights and train services.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that, as of 4 PM local time (07:00 GMT) on August 16, the typhoon was approximately 170 kilometers (105 miles) south of Choshi city in Chiba prefecture, near Tokyo.
45 meters per second
The JMA warns that Ampil, with wind speeds reaching 45 meters per second and gusts up to 60 meters per second (216 kph/134 mph), poses a significant threat. The storm’s fierce winds are expected to cause damage, including potential injuries from flying debris and overturned vehicles.
In response to the approaching storm, several municipalities in the Kanto region have issued evacuation orders. Iwaki city in Fukushima prefecture has directed approximately 323,000 residents to evacuate. Similarly, Mobara city in Chiba has ordered about 18,500 residents to leave, and other cities have established special evacuation centers and advised voluntary evacuations.
The impact of Typhoon Ampil
The impact of Typhoon Ampil is already being felt, with over 2,500 households in the Kanto area experiencing power outages, according to the Tokyo Electric Power Company. Additionally, the typhoon has led to widespread disruptions in air travel, with dozens of flights cancelled at Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita airports, as well as Kansai in Osaka and Chubu airports. ANA Holdings, the parent company of Air Japan, announced the cancellation of 281 domestic and 54 international flights scheduled for August 16, affecting nearly 70,000 passengers.
Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops and authorities continue to respond to Typhoon Ampil’s progress.
