Dogwan Typhoon Kills Two, Leaves Four Missing in Japan

Two fatalities and four missing persons have been confirmed in Japan following Typhoon Dogwan’s impact on areas surrounding Tokyo. The storm brought heavy rainfall, widespread flooding, and multiple landslides across the region.

Impact on Chiba and Kanagawa Prefectures

Dogwan — the 25th typhoon of the current season — struck Chiba and Kanagawa prefectures, both adjacent to Tokyo. It damaged dozens of homes, submerged several roads, and temporarily disrupted local railway services and domestic flights.

The typhoon passed along parts of Japan’s eastern coastline before moving northeastward over the Pacific Ocean. After hitting Japan’s east coast and the Greater Tokyo Area, the severe storm — internationally designated “Dujuan” — began receding from land over the Pacific Ocean, leaving behind human casualties and extensive material damage.

Human losses and the most severe physical damage were concentrated in Chiba and Kanagawa prefectures. Landslides there destroyed residential buildings and buried public equipment and infrastructure.

Rainfall Totals and Evacuation Orders

Some locations recorded record-breaking rainfall, exceeding 410 millimeters within just two days. Entire residential streets were inundated, significantly elevating flood and landslide risks.

Japanese authorities issued evacuation advisories for approximately 1.9 million people, urging them to relocate to designated safe shelters to avoid dangers posed by rain, flooding, and landslides.

Wind Damage and Infrastructure Disruption

Gale-force winds reached 144 kilometers per hour, causing power outages in around 50,000 households. Broad disruptions affected public services nationwide.

In transportation and travel, hundreds of flights were canceled. Major train lines in Tokyo suspended operations. The typhoon also led to the postponement of certain competitions at the Asian Games being held in Aichi Prefecture. Additionally, the Tokyo Game Show closed early.

Current Status and Ongoing Risks

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Dogwan has shifted northeastward away from land over the Pacific Ocean. This movement enabled Japanese authorities to downgrade emergency warning levels previously activated at the peak of the typhoon’s impact.

Although the typhoon has moved offshore and weakened, warnings remain in effect for sudden landslides. These risks persist due to soil saturation from the large volume of rain that fell during the event.

Areas affected by heavy rainfall remain vulnerable to additional hazards even after the typhoon’s center moved away — particularly because saturated ground and unstable slopes continue to pose threats in impacted zones.