- 13:25UN Chief Highlights Morocco's Sahara Initiative for Sahel Economic Integration
- 13:15Kamala Harris Targets Disenchanted Republicans in Key Battleground States Ahead of Election
- 13:00Morocco Bolsters Maritime Influence with IMO Council Vice-Presidency
- 12:45King Charles III's Australian Visit: A Royal Encounter Amidst Growing Republican Sentiments
- 12:25Moroccan Buyers Surge to Second Place in Spanish Property Market
- 12:05Kamala Harris Highlights Trump's Campaign Fatigue in New Attack Ad
- 11:40Stellantis Shifts Gears: Morocco's Automotive Boom Raises Questions for European Manufacturing
- 11:25Elon Musk Increases Financial Incentive for Petition Supporting Constitutional Rights
- 11:15Morocco's Human Rights Council Pushes for Enhanced Protections in Strike Legislation
Follow us on Facebook
Typhoon Ampil Threatens Japan: Mass Evacuations and Travel Disruptions as 'Very Strong' Storm Approaches
Japan is bracing for the imminent arrival of Typhoon Ampil, a powerful storm system that has prompted authorities to order mass evacuations and caused significant disruptions to air and rail travel across the country. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has classified Ampil as a "very strong" typhoon, with its approach triggering urgent safety measures and widespread concern.
As of 4 PM local time on Friday, the JMA reported that Typhoon Ampil was located approximately 170 kilometers (105 miles) south of Choshi City in Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo in the eastern Kanto region. The storm is expected to make its closest approach to the greater Tokyo area later in the day, bringing with it the threat of "fierce winds" capable of causing injuries from flying debris and potentially overturning moving vehicles.
The typhoon's intensity is underscored by its impressive wind speeds, with sustained winds of 45 meters per second and maximum gusts reaching a staggering 60 meters per second (216 km/h or 134 mph). These extreme conditions have led to the issuance of evacuation orders across multiple municipalities in the Kanto region and beyond.
In Iwaki City, located in Fukushima Prefecture north of Tokyo, authorities have ordered the evacuation of approximately 323,000 residents. Similarly, Mobara City in Chiba, east of Tokyo, has issued evacuation orders for about 18,500 residents. Numerous other cities have opened special evacuation centers and advised voluntary evacuation, highlighting the widespread impact of the approaching storm.
The effects of Typhoon Ampil are already being felt across the region. The Tokyo Electric Power Company reported that over 2,500 households in the Kanto area were experiencing power outages by Friday afternoon. These blackouts serve as a stark reminder of the storm's potential to disrupt essential services and infrastructure.
The transportation sector has been particularly hard-hit by the approaching typhoon. Major airports in Tokyo, including Haneda and Narita, as well as Kansai, Osaka, and Chubu airports, have been forced to cancel dozens of arriving and departing flights. ANA Holdings, the parent company of Air Japan, announced the cancellation of 281 domestic flights and 54 international flights scheduled for Friday, affecting nearly 70,000 passengers. Haneda Airport, Japan's primary domestic hub, is set to cancel 32 incoming and outgoing flights on Saturday, impacting travel plans for approximately 2,300 passengers.
Rail transportation has not been spared from the typhoon's impact. The iconic Shinkansen bullet trains operating between Tokyo and Nagoya have been halted for the entire day, according to Central Japan Railway. Bullet trains serving northeastern Japan and some local Tokyo trains have also been temporarily suspended or switched to slower schedules, further complicating travel plans for residents and visitors alike.
As Typhoon Ampil continues its approach, officials are urging the public to exercise extreme caution. Residents and visitors are strongly advised to stay away from rivers and beaches, areas particularly vulnerable to the storm's effects. Additionally, authorities are emphasizing the danger posed by the typhoon's powerful winds, which are capable of turning everyday objects into potentially lethal projectiles.
The coming hours will be crucial as Japan faces this formidable meteorological challenge. The nation's advanced disaster preparedness systems and the swift action of local authorities will be put to the test as Typhoon Ampil makes its presence felt across the country. As the situation develops, residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels and to prioritize their safety above all else.