As Typhoon Ampil prepares to make landfall in Japan, precautionary measures are being enforced to safeguard residents and mitigate potential damage. In line with these measures, the Japanese government has canceled numerous flights and suspended the operation of their iconic high-speed bullet trains, the Shinkansen.
The tropical cyclone, named Typhoon Ampil, which is on course to strike mainly the southern part of Japan, has forced the proactive measure of grounding flights. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued stern warnings about heavy rain, strong winds, and high waves associated with the typhoon. Consequently, dealing with what they described as an abnormal weather situation, airlines across the country have preemptively cancelled thousands of flights as a safety precaution, affecting both domestic and international air travel. Included in these cancellations are flights from Tokyo, Osaka, and many other major Japanese cities, causing significant disruption to travel plans both within the country and to and from international destinations.
Simultaneously, Japan’s much-relied-on bullet trains, known as the Shinkansen, have also been affected by Typhoon Ampil. These high-speed trains that travel upwards of 200 miles per hour are famous for their speed, comfort, and punctuality. This, however, could be compromised by the high-velocity winds and torrential rainfall expected from Ampil.
All bullet train services on the Tokaido Shinkansen line, which connects the major cities of Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, have been suspended. Central Japan Railway, the company responsible for managing these trains, has stated that the decision is due to safety concerns for its patrons and staff. Train services along the Tohoku, Joetsu, and Hokuriku Shinkansen lines have also been affected.
The landfall of Typhoon Ampil spells out an emergency situation across Japan. The country’s disaster management agencies and local authorities are working together to provide evacuation instructions in landslide-prone and low-lying areas. People are being urged to stay updated with the latest announcements and avoid any unnecessary travels.
These robust precautionary measures of flight cancellations and bullet-train suspensions show how seriously Japan takes typhoon threats. They delineate Japan’s meteorological acuity, readiness, and professionalism in handling such critical situations. While these measures will undoubtedly disrupt many people’s plans, they are essential steps taken to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors throughout the country.
Certainly, nobody looks forward to such drastic weather
