As Typhoon Shanshan made landfall in southern Japan on Thursday, the nation braced for a powerful storm that would leave a trail of destruction. Nearly 4 million people were urged to evacuate as the typhoon swept across Kyushu island, bringing hurricane-force winds, torrential rain, and dangerous storm surges.
Emergency Warnings and Severe Weather Alerts
The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a rare emergency warning, highlighting the storm’s potential to cause severe flooding and landslides throughout Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan’s main islands. Record rainfall was predicted, leading to widespread concerns about the impact on communities already in the storm’s path.
Authorities responded by issuing their highest typhoon alert, warning that a “life-threatening situation” was imminent in certain areas. Specifically, 57,000 residents of Oita prefecture were urged to take immediate action. A Level 4 evacuation advisory, the second-highest alert level, was put in place for all of Kyushu, affecting a staggering 3.7 million people.
Disruption to Daily Life: Flights Canceled, Factories Closed
The storm’s effects were felt far beyond the immediate path of Typhoon Shanshan. Hundreds of flights were canceled, and bullet train services were suspended, disrupting travel across the region. Major companies, including automotive giants Toyota, Honda, Mazda, and Nissan, were forced to shut down operations at their factories due to safety concerns.
Rising Toll: Injuries, Missing Persons, and Fatalities
As of Thursday morning, reports indicated that one person was missing, and dozens had been injured across Kyushu. Earlier in the week, the storm’s destructive power had already claimed three lives in a landslide triggered by heavy rain and strong winds.
Despite weakening, Typhoon Shanshan continued to pose a significant threat as it slowly moved north through Kyushu. The storm, now equivalent to a Category 1 Atlantic Hurricane, had winds reaching up to 185 kph (115 mph) at landfall. Video footage from Miyazaki, near the storm’s impact zone, showed downed power lines and debris littering the streets.
Widespread Rainfall and Continued Threats
The slow-moving nature of the storm meant that large amounts of rain were dumped over the same areas for extended periods. Already, some regions had seen over 0.5 meters (20 inches) of rainfall, with forecasts predicting up to 1 meter (40 inches) in isolated, hilly areas.
Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, addressed the nation on Thursday, warning of “record-breaking rainfall” and outlining the government’s emergency disaster response measures. The storm had left more than 255,000 households without power and forced the closure of several major highways.
Looking Ahead: Shanshan’s Path and Impact
As Typhoon Shanshan continues its slow trek eastward, it is expected to weaken to a tropical storm by the end of Thursday. However, the threat of heavy rain and flooding remains significant, with more regions across Japan bracing for potential impacts. Some areas in Shikoku and Honshu are expected to receive over 0.5 meters of rain, continuing the risk of floods and landslides into the weekend and beyond.