Typhoon Shanshan Strikes Japan with Devastating Force
The powerful Typhoon Shanshan made landfall on Japan's southern island of Kyushu on Thursday morning, bringing gusts of over 200 km/h and torrential rains. This natural disaster has already resulted in 26 injuries, including 10 caused by a tornado, and significant damage to over 150 buildings in Miyazaki Prefecture. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued its highest alert level, warning of potentially deadly flooding, landslides, and storm surges.
Evacuations and Casualties Amidst the Chaos
As the typhoon wreaks havoc, three members of a family in their 70s and 30s have tragically lost their lives due to a landslide in Gamagori, Aichi Prefecture. The situation is dire, with 254,610 homes reported to be without power on Kyushu. Many residents are expressing their fears as they navigate the chaos, with students like Aoi Nishimoto and Rio Ohtsuru sharing their concerns about the tornado and power outages in their area.
Economic Impact and Transportation Disruptions
The impact of Typhoon Shanshan extends beyond human casualties, as major automobile manufacturers like Toyota, Nissan, and Honda have suspended production at their factories in Japan. The transportation sector is also severely affected, with Japan Airlines and ANA canceling hundreds of domestic flights, disrupting travel for nearly 33,000 passengers. As the storm continues to move, the JMA warns of possible additional rainfall, further increasing the risk of disasters across western Japan.
- The JMA predicts that the two southern prefectures of Kyushu could receive nearly half of their average annual rainfall within just 48 hours, with estimates of up to **1,100 mm** of rain expected by Friday morning. The situation is compounded by the fact that typhoons are becoming more intense and lingering longer over land due to climate change, raising concerns about future storms. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of Typhoon Shanshan, residents are urged to remain vigilant and prepared for further emergencies.
