Japan is bracing for the impact of Typhoon Shanshan, an "extremely strong" storm currently 120 kilometers off Yakushima Island. With wind gusts reaching 252 kilometers per hour, the typhoon is advancing towards Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s four main islands, which is home to 12.5 million people.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi has warned that Kyushu could experience unprecedented levels of violent winds, high waves, and storm surges. “Typhoon Shanshan is expected to bring conditions that many have never encountered before,” Hayashi said at a press briefing.
The typhoon has already caused significant damage, including a landslide in Gamagori, Aichi prefecture, on Tuesday night. The landslide engulfed a house, leading to the rescue of one woman in her 40s. However, a couple in their 70s and a man in his 30s remain missing. Rescue efforts are ongoing.
In anticipation of the storm, local governments have issued evacuation advisories for over 810,000 residents in Shizuoka prefecture on Honshu and 56,000 in Kagoshima on Kyushu. The Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts up to 500 millimeters of rain in southern Kyushu in the next 24 hours, potentially increasing to 600 millimeters by Friday morning.
Transportation has been severely impacted, with Japan Airlines canceling 112 domestic flights and six international flights. ANA Holdings has also suspended 112 domestic flights over the next three days. Kyushu Railway will halt some Shinkansen services and may extend cancellations based on evolving weather conditions.
Typhoon Shanshan follows Typhoon Ampil, which disrupted travel earlier this month but resulted in only minor damage. This recent spate of severe weather follows Tropical Storm Maria, which brought record rains to northern Japan. Experts suggest that climate change is contributing to more intense and longer-lasting storms in the region.
Authorities are urging residents to heed evacuation orders and prepare for the worst as Typhoon Shanshan approaches.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi has warned that Kyushu could experience unprecedented levels of violent winds, high waves, and storm surges. “Typhoon Shanshan is expected to bring conditions that many have never encountered before,” Hayashi said at a press briefing.
The typhoon has already caused significant damage, including a landslide in Gamagori, Aichi prefecture, on Tuesday night. The landslide engulfed a house, leading to the rescue of one woman in her 40s. However, a couple in their 70s and a man in his 30s remain missing. Rescue efforts are ongoing.
In anticipation of the storm, local governments have issued evacuation advisories for over 810,000 residents in Shizuoka prefecture on Honshu and 56,000 in Kagoshima on Kyushu. The Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts up to 500 millimeters of rain in southern Kyushu in the next 24 hours, potentially increasing to 600 millimeters by Friday morning.
Transportation has been severely impacted, with Japan Airlines canceling 112 domestic flights and six international flights. ANA Holdings has also suspended 112 domestic flights over the next three days. Kyushu Railway will halt some Shinkansen services and may extend cancellations based on evolving weather conditions.
Typhoon Shanshan follows Typhoon Ampil, which disrupted travel earlier this month but resulted in only minor damage. This recent spate of severe weather follows Tropical Storm Maria, which brought record rains to northern Japan. Experts suggest that climate change is contributing to more intense and longer-lasting storms in the region.
Authorities are urging residents to heed evacuation orders and prepare for the worst as Typhoon Shanshan approaches.
