Thursday, August 15, 2024 As Japan approaches one of its busiest travel periods, the Bon holiday, the country is bracing for the possible intensification of Tropical Storm Ampil into a typhoon. The storm, expected to hit eastern Japan on Friday, threatens to bring widespread disruption to public transportation, including trains, flights, and highways, as well as significant weather-related hazards like strong winds, high waves, and heavy rainfall. The timing of Ampil’s approach is particularly concerning as it coincides with the Bon holiday, a time when millions of Japanese citizens travel across the country to visit family and participate in traditional ceremonies.
Tropical Storm Ampil is currently on a northeast trajectory, moving at a speed of 15 kilometers per hour. As of Wednesday afternoon, the storm was positioned approximately 150 km west-southwest of Chichijima island in the Ogasawara Islands, with a central pressure of 975 hectopascals. The storm has already generated maximum sustained winds of 108 kph and gusts of up to 162 kph.
However, weather forecasts predict that Ampil will strengthen as it approaches the Izu Islands, Kanto, and southern Tohoku regions, potentially becoming a typhoon by Friday. The storm is expected to peak in intensity between Friday and Saturday, bringing sustained winds of up to 144 kph and gusts as high as 216 kph in the Izu Islands and Kanto region. The Tokai and Tohoku regions are also likely to experience strong gusts of up to 126 kph.
Additionally, Ampil is predicted to cause significant wave heights, with Kanto expecting waves up to 11 meters, the Izu Islands up to 10 meters, Tohoku up to 7 meters, and Tokai up to 6 meters. The arrival of Tropical Storm Ampil during the Bon holiday presents a serious challenge for Japan’s transportation infrastructure. Central Japan Railway has already announced that it will suspend all Tokaido Shinkansen trains between Tokyo and Nagoya on Friday.
The company has also warned of potential suspensions, service interruptions, and delays on Saturday, depending on the storm’s impact. Similarly, East Japan Railway has issued warnings about possible cancellations on several Shinkansen lines, including the Tohoku, Hokuriku, Joetsu, Akita, and Yamagata lines, as well as on local lines in the Kanto region. Air travel is also expected to be severely affected, with potential cancellations of flights to and from Haneda and Narita airports.
Additionally, sections of highways may be closed due to hazardous conditions, further complicating travel plans for millions of people. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued warnings for strong winds, high waves, and heavy rainfall, urging the public to take necessary precautions. Authorities are particularly concerned about the potential for flash floods, landslides, and other weather-related hazards that could result from the intense rainfall and storm surge associated with Ampil.
Rainfall forecasts for the Kanto-Koshin region predict up to 200 millimeters of rain in the 24 hours leading up to 6 a.m. on Friday, with similar amounts expected in the following 24 hours.
The Tokai region could see up to 150 millimeters of rain during the same periods. Such heavy rainfall raises the risk of flash floods and landslides, particularly in mountainous areas and regions that have already experienced significant precipitation in recent weeks. The exact path of Tropical Storm Ampil remains uncertain, with some models predicting a potential landfall in Chiba Prefecture.
However, even if the storm does not make direct landfall, it is expected to pass close enough to the region to bring torrential rain, violent winds, and other severe weather conditions. Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to storm surges, which could exacerbate flooding and cause extensive damage to infrastructure and property. In addition to the immediate threat posed by Tropical Storm Ampil, Japan’s tourism industry is also grappling with the ongoing risk of natural disasters, including the potential for a mega quake.
The country sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it one of the most seismically active regions in the world. Major earthquakes, such as the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, have had devastating impacts on the country’s infrastructure, economy, and tourism sector. The combination of frequent typhoons, the ever-present threat of earthquakes, and the risks associated with climate change have made disaster preparedness a central concern for Japan’s government and tourism industry.
While Japan is renowned for its advanced infrastructure and disaster response systems, the potential for a mega quake or a powerful storm like Ampil to strike during peak travel periods poses significant challenges. Tourism is a vital component of Japan’s economy, contributing significantly to GDP and providing employment for millions of people. However, the industry’s vulnerability to natural disasters is a constant concern.
The disruption caused by Tropical Storm Ampil during the Bon holiday could have far-reaching economic consequences, particularly for the travel and hospitality sectors. The suspension of train services, flight cancellations, and highway closures are likely to result in significant financial losses for transportation companies, hotels, and other businesses that rely on tourism. Moreover, the broader perception of Japan as a high-risk destination for natural disasters could deter potential visitors, particularly from international markets.
In recent years, Japan has made concerted efforts to attract more tourists, setting ambitious targets for inbound tourism. However, the frequent occurrence of natural disasters, including typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions, poses a significant challenge to achieving these goals. The potential for a mega quake, in particular, looms large over the industry’s future, with experts warning that a major seismic event could cause widespread devastation and disrupt tourism for years to come.
To mitigate the risks associated with natural disasters, Japan has invested heavily in disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience. The country has developed sophisticated early warning systems, strict building codes, and comprehensive emergency response plans designed to protect both residents and visitors. These measures have been credited with saving lives and minimizing damage during past disasters.
For the tourism industry, the focus has been on enhancing safety and communication. Hotels, tour operators, and other tourism-related businesses are required to have disaster response plans in place, and many offer training to staff on how to handle emergencies. Additionally, the government has launched initiatives to educate tourists about disaster preparedness, including multilingual resources and apps that provide real-time information on weather conditions, evacuation routes, and emergency services.
However, despite these efforts, the unpredictability of natural disasters means that the risk can never be fully eliminated. The key for Japan’s tourism industry is to strike a balance between promoting the country’s attractions and ensuring that visitors are aware of the potential risks and know how to respond in an emergency. Technology plays a crucial role in Japan’s disaster preparedness strategy.
The country’s advanced early warning systems, which include seismic sensors, weather satellites, and ocean buoys, provide real-time data that helps authorities predict and respond to natural disasters. These systems are complemented by a network of emergency broadcasting services, which can deliver alerts to residents and visitors via television, radio, and mobile devices. In the tourism sector, technology is also being leveraged to enhance safety and communication.
For example, many hotels and resorts now offer guests access to disaster preparedness apps that provide information on nearby shelters, emergency contact numbers, and instructions on what to do in the event of an earthquake, typhoon, or other disaster. Some apps also offer translation services, helping non-Japanese speakers navigate emergency situations more easily. Social media platforms have become an increasingly important tool for disseminating information during disasters.
During recent typhoons, for instance, local authorities and tourism organizations used Twitter, Facebook, and other platforms to share updates on weather conditions, transportation disruptions, and safety precautions. These platforms also allow tourists to stay connected with friends and family back home, providing reassurance during times of uncertainty. As Japan prepares for the possible intensification of Tropical Storm Ampil into a typhoon, the country is once again reminded of the challenges posed by its location in one of the world’s most disaster-prone regions.
The timing of the storm, coinciding with the Bon holiday, adds to the complexity of the situation, as millions of people are expected to travel across the country. While Japan has made significant strides in disaster preparedness and infrastructure resilience, the tourism industry remains vulnerable to the impacts of natural disasters. The potential for a mega quake, combined with the frequent occurrence of typhoons and other severe weather events, underscores the need for ongoing investment in safety and communication.
For tourists, the key to enjoying a safe and memorable visit to Japan is to stay informed, be prepared, and follow the guidance of local authorities. By taking these precautions, visitors can minimize the risks associated with natural disasters and fully experience the beauty and culture of this remarkable country..
