Typhoon Ampil is bearing down on Tokyo, disrupting the peak summer travel season and causing widespread travel chaos. The powerful storm, categorized as "strong" by the Japan Meteorological Agency, is expected to bring heavy rains, strong winds, and high waves to the region. As a result, airlines and railway operators have been forced to cancel hundreds of flights and suspend services, leaving thousands of travelers stranded.
.gif)
Japan Airlines has announced the cancellation of 191 domestic and 26 international flights, primarily affecting departures from and arrivals at Tokyo's Haneda Airport. Similarly, ANA has grounded 280 domestic flights, impacting over 60,000 passengers. The disruption comes at the worst possible time, as Japan is currently in the midst of the Obon holiday period when millions of people travel to their hometowns to visit family and ancestors.
The storm has also caused significant disruptions to rail services, with Central Japan Railway canceling all Shinkansen bullet train services between Tokyo and Nagoya. The disruption is expected to worsen as the typhoon moves closer to the mainland.
With Ampil forecast to make landfall on Friday, authorities are urging residents to stay indoors and take precautions to protect themselves from the storm. The typhoon is the latest in a series of severe weather events to hit Japan this summer, highlighting the increasing challenges posed by climate change.