Typhoon Dujuan forces evacuation of over 1.9 million people in Japan

More than 1.9 million residents across Japan have been placed under evacuation orders as Typhoon Dujuan, a Category 3 system with sustained winds of 150 km/h, makes landfall on the southern islands. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued the warnings late Thursday, citing heavy rainfall, storm surges and landslide risks in the prefectures of Kagoshima, Miyazaki and Okinawa. Local governments have opened shelters in schools and community centers, while the Self‑Defense Forces are on standby to assist with rescue operations. As of Friday morning, the storm had already knocked out power to over 200,000 households and caused flooding in coastal towns, prompting authorities to prioritize road clearance and medical aid.

The evacuation effort follows a coordinated response that began with early warnings on Wednesday, allowing residents to secure property and stock essential supplies. Emergency services report no confirmed fatalities yet, but several injuries have been treated for wind‑related incidents. Officials expect the typhoon to weaken as it moves northward, though heavy rain is likely to persist for several days, raising the risk of additional landslides. The government has urged continued vigilance and promised ongoing support for affected communities until recovery is complete.