Typhoon Ampil Strikes Tokyo: Over 650 Flights Canceled Amid Severe Weather Warnings

A “very strong” typhoon hit Tokyo and the eastern Pacific coast of Japan on August 16, leading to widespread disruptions, including the cancellation of over 650 flights and numerous train services. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) classified the typhoon, named 'Ampil', as a notch below a severe typhoon, with wind gusts reaching up to 216 km/h. As the storm approached, authorities urged residents in the coastal Chiba region to evacuate due to risks of flooding and landslides. Although no casualties were reported, thousands faced power outages, and significant travel disruptions affected over 130,000 passengers during the busy 'obon' holiday week. The typhoon's intensity and frequency are linked to climate change, prompting researchers to warn of increasing risks in the future.