Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

7 minutes read. Updated 12:46PM GMT Fri, 16August, 2024

Hundreds of thousands of residents in Japan are under evacuation advisories as Typhoon Ampil, a formidable storm, intensifies and approaches the east coast near Tokyo. As of Friday, the powerful typhoon has left some homes without power, and authorities are urging people to seek safety.

Typhoon Ampil’s Intensification and Current Path

Typhoon Ampil, currently located 121 nautical miles southeast of Yokosuka, Greater Tokyo, has rapidly strengthened to the equivalent of a Category 4 hurricane. The storm is bringing devastating winds of up to 212 kilometers per hour (131 mph) and is moving northward at a speed of 18 kph (11 mph), according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC). The storm’s rapid intensification is attributed to its movement over very warm waters, which have fueled its growth by providing ample moisture. Meteorologists warn that Ampil could strengthen further in the next 12 hours, reaching peak intensity as it skirts Japan’s eastern coastline.

Evacuation and Safety Measures

Local authorities have issued evacuation advisories for over 178,000 households, affecting nearly 404,000 people in cities such as Mobara, Asahi, and Iwaki in Fukushima Prefecture. These areas are expected to bear the brunt of the storm by late Friday. In addition to the general population, authorities have emphasized that the elderly, people with disabilities, and those living in high-risk areas should prioritize evacuating.

The city of Yokohama, located just south of Tokyo, has also issued a similar evacuation notice, advising all residents to be ready to leave if necessary. The urgency of these measures was highlighted by the loss of power to more than 2,000 households by Friday afternoon, according to TEPCO, the region’s electricity provider.

Disruption of Transport Services

The impact of Typhoon Ampil is also being felt in Japan’s transport systems. The peak summer travel season has been disrupted, with two major airlines, Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways, canceling approximately 500 flights combined to and from Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita airports, as reported by NHK.

Rail services are also significantly affected, with six lines on Japan’s extensive bullet train network suspending operations between certain stations. Notably, the Tokaido line, which connects Tokyo with Osaka, is among those warning of major delays on Friday.

Weather Warnings and Possible Outcomes

Meteorology officials have issued warnings of violent winds, rough seas, torrential rain, and the potential for flooding, landslides, and overflowing rivers across northern and eastern Japan. The public has been urged to exercise extreme caution and to remain prepared for any sudden changes in the storm’s behavior.

While the storm’s center is currently projected to remain slightly offshore as it turns northeast, the possibility of a more direct impact on Japan remains. If Typhoon Ampil’s trajectory shifts closer to the coast or makes landfall, the effects could be far more severe, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to densely populated areas, including Tokyo.

The JTWC and Japan’s Meteorological Agency predict that Typhoon Ampil will begin to weaken by Saturday morning as it moves into cooler waters, reducing its intensity over the weekend. However, residents are advised to remain vigilant until the storm has fully passed.

This evolving situation continues to be monitored closely, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.