JAPAN – After a severe heat wave, Japan is facing a sudden change in weather as powerful Typhoon Dujuan moves towards the country's east coast. Authorities have raised emergency alerts in Tokyo and surrounding regions, warning citizens of the risk of flooding and landslides.

Dujuan, the 25th typhoon of the year in Japan, has prompted authorities to issue emergency advisories to residents. The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that the typhoon could bring record rainfall through Tuesday, while residents of coastal areas have been urged to take extra care due to the risk of landslides.

The storm has caused significant disruption to transport. More than 200 flights were initially reported to have been cancelled, while data from aviation tracking platform Flightradar24 shows that the number of flights cancelled at Tokyo's Haneda and Narita airports has reached around 500.

The typhoon has also forced the suspension of some high-speed train services on the Tokaido line. Rail operator JR has urged passengers to exercise caution, as Shinkansen stations and gates have become crowded due to service disruptions.

The typhoon has arrived during a five-day holiday period in Japan, forcing the cancellation of some activities and events. Authorities have urged citizens to follow official announcements and avoid areas at risk of flooding and landslides.

The change in weather comes after a summer of extreme temperatures. In late July, temperatures in parts of Japan topped 40 degrees Celsius, sending tens of thousands of people to hospital with heatstroke. The high temperatures have also affected animals, with several lions at a Tokyo zoo dying from the extreme heat.

However, since then, the heat wave has been replaced by heavy rainfall, which has engulfed Tokyo and surrounding regions, while authorities continue to monitor the typhoon's movement and its aftermath.