Why is Japan blocking roads and cancelling ferries and flights? Disaster is just around the corner

As Typhoon Ampil approaches Japan, the country is taking significant precautionary measures, leading to widespread disruptions.

Already, 853 flights have been cancelled as airlines brace for the impact of the powerful storm, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

According to data published by local airlines, Japan's largest carriers, Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA), have cancelled approximately 650 flights, primarily affecting those departing from or arriving at Tokyo's Haneda and Narita airports. Low-cost carriers like Jetstar Japan and Peach Aviation have also grounded around 200 flights.

The typhoon's impact isn't limited to air travel. Train services on several lines passing through the coastal areas of Chiba and Kanagawa prefectures, neighbouring Tokyo, have been suspended or reduced. Shinkansen high-speed express trains are also affected, with some routes temporarily halted.

In addition to air and rail disruptions, road closures have been reported in the Tokyo metropolitan area, and ferry services in Tokyo Bay have been cancelled.

Typhoon Ampil, the seventh typhoon of 2024, is tracking northwards and is expected to strike Japan’s Kanto region over the weekend, coinciding with the nation’s Bon holiday. The storm is forecast to be at its closest to the region around midday on August 16, according to weather predictions.

The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued warnings of up to 200mm of rainfall in the Kanto-Koshin region by the morning of August 17. The area could also experience wind gusts reaching up to 60 meters per second on August 16, prompting these extensive precautionary measures to ensure public safety.