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Japan weather: Climate change intensifies typhoon rainfall and flooding
Scientific analysis by the international consortium Climate Meter indicates that climate change has intensified rainfall from Typhoon 25 (Dujuan) in the Tokyo area by 5–15% compared to the 1950–1987 period. This increased precipitation contributed approximately 6% to the total rain-related damage. Research by Professor Tomonori Sato further suggests that extreme rainfall events in Chiba, Fukui, and Kagoshima were made more likely due to human-induced climate change.
In Fukui Prefecture, heavy rains in late August caused flooding in 31 underpasses across eight municipalities in the Reihoku region. Local authorities noted that most traffic restrictions are currently managed manually by staff, leading to concerns regarding a “blank period” between flooding and the deployment of physical barriers. Meanwhile, Typhoon 26 is forecasted to bring heavy rain to the southern Izu Islands and Hachijojima, with rainfall totals potentially reaching 150mm within 24 hours.
Entities
Climate Central · Climate Meter · Echizen City · Fukui Prefecture · JR · New Chitose Airport · Sapporo · Tokyo · Typhoon 25 · Typhoon 26
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] An underpass at New Chitose Airport flooded, affecting vehicle traffic.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Heavy rain caused the suspension of 108 JR trains, including 39 Rapid Airport services.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Sapporo received its first Level 4 Heavy Rain Danger Warning.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] A Level 3 heavy rain warning was issued for Echizen City in Fukui Prefecture.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Landslide advisories were issued for several areas in Fukui Prefecture, including Fukui City and Sabae City.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Traffic restrictions at flooded underpasses in Fukui are largely performed manually by staff using barricades and chains. www.fukuishimbun.co.jp
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Climate change increased rainfall intensity around Tokyo by 5–15% compared to the 1950–1987 period. www.alterna.co.jp
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Typhoon 26 is expected to bring up to 150mm of rain over 24 hours to the southern Izu Islands.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Extreme rainfall in Chiba (August 13), Fukui (August 30), and Kagoshima (September 5) was made more likely by climate change. www.alterna.co.jp
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Climate change contributed approximately 6% (with an estimated range of 3–9%) to the total rain-related damage. www.alterna.co.jp
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Heavy rains in late August flooded 31 underpasses across eight municipalities in the Reihoku region of Fukui Prefecture. www.fukuishimbun.co.jp