Severe Rainfall Hits Tokyo and Surrounding Areas, Disrupting Schools and Transport

Tokyo and surrounding prefectures faced a deluge of heavy rain early Monday, leading to school closures and significant disruptions in train services. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued a level 5 emergency landslide warning for Niijima island, located about 160 kilometers south of the capital, effective from 4:15 a.m.

The downpour has not only affected Niijima but also inundated parts of Tokyo, Chiba, and Kanagawa. In light of the situation, residents are being urged to remain vigilant against potential landslides, rising river levels, and flooding in low-lying areas.

With rainfall expected to exceed 50 millimeters per hour, a level 4 heavy rain warning was also declared for the city of Chiba. The JMA forecasts that by Monday night, rainfall could accumulate to 300 millimeters in the Tokai region and 250 millimeters in the Kanto-Koshin area, with significant amounts anticipated in Tohoku and Kinki regions as well.

As the storm progresses, the Yamanote Line, Chuo Line, Sobu Line, and Tokaido Line operated with 20% to 30% fewer trains, further complicating commute for many. The storm front is expected to continue its northward movement, exacerbated by Tropical Storm Krovanh, currently situated 50 kilometers north-northeast of Minamidaito Island in Okinawa Prefecture.

Source: www.japantimes.co.jp