Tokyo:
A tropical storm is forecast to hit Tokyo on the last day of the Olympics, organisers mentioned Friday, but did not announce any adjustments to competitors.
Japan’s climate agency warned of sturdy winds, higher waves and the threat of landslides and floods along the eastern coastline from Saturday afternoon to Sunday, when Tropical Storm Mirinae is anticipated to pass more than the capital.
The Olympics closing ceremony is on Sunday evening, with medal events like water polo and rhythmic gymnastics taking location at indoor venues in the city through the day.
Cycling track races are also scheduled in Shizuoka, southwest of Tokyo, although the men’s marathon will kick off early Sunday in the far northern city of Sapporo.
“We are firmly and calmly paying attention” to the path of the storm, Tokyo 2020 organising committee spokesman Masa Takaya told reporters.
“It is necessary to inform you objectively, so that we can avoid excessive overreaction,” he mentioned.
A separate storm hit Japan last week, forcing Games organisers to reschedule some rowing and archery events, though they brought forward the surfing finals to take benefit of sturdy waves.
On Friday, Mirinae was about one hundred kilometres (62 miles) north of Minamidaito island, close to the southern archipelago of Okinawa.
It was moving east, packing gusts of up to 108 kilometres per hour (67 miles per hour).
Another tropical storm is hovering in the Taiwan strait, moving towards Japan.
Japan’s typhoon season runs from about May to October, peaking in August and September.
In 2019, Typhoon Hagibis smashed into Japan as it hosted the Rugby World Cup, killing more than one hundred individuals.
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