Large parts of the island of Hachijojima in Tokyo’s Izu island chain remain without running water following damage from Typhoon Halong, with incoming Typhoon Nakri expected to slow restoration efforts.
Due to the record rainfall from Halong — the 22nd storm of the year — on Thursday, as well as rain that has since fallen, the ground on the island is saturated in many locations, heightening the risk of landslides even with relatively small additional amounts of rain.
Approximately 2,700 households on Hachijojima have been without water for several days after power outages halted supply facilities and landslides damaged key water sources. Tokyo Electric Power Grid reported around 2,220 households without electricity on Hachijojima as of 12 p.m. on Monday, along with about 20 households on Aogashima, another island on the Izu island chain.
A total of 147 people were in evacuation shelters as of Sunday evening, NHK reported, quoting Hachijojima's municipal government.
Damage overviews from local authorities state that human casualties are still being confirmed, with no reports at this stage. Numerous homes have been affected, with many roads blocked due to fallen trees and landslides. The Maritime and Ground Self-Defense Forces have mobilized to help transport equipment, support workers and distribute relief goods.
As of 3 p.m. on Monday, Nakri – the 23rd storm of the year – was about 260 kilometers east of Hachijojima, moving east-northeast at 35 kph with a central pressure of 975 hectopascals. Maximum sustained winds were 126 kph, with gusts reaching 180 kph.
Although Nakri is expected to gradually move away from the Izu islands, extremely strong winds are continuing across parts of the region, and some areas are experiencing rough seas. While the main body of the typhoon’s rain clouds is beginning to shift eastward, the atmosphere remains highly unstable.
Authorities forecast sustained winds of up to 126 kph and gusts of 180 kph through Tuesday afternoon, along with heavy rain and thunderstorms.
Residents are being advised to stay indoors, keep away from windows and exercise caution against landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, swollen rivers, high waves, lightning and sudden gusts.
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