A powerful typhoon named Shanshan has struck southern Japan, causing widespread destruction and claiming the lives of three people. The typhoon made landfall in Kagoshima Prefecture, on the southern island of Kyushu, around 08:00 local time (23:00 GMT) on Thursday, as reported by the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA). The agency issued a rare “special warning” due to the violent nature of the storm, which brought with it the threat of landslides, flooding, and significant structural damage. High winds of up to 252 km/h (157 mph) were recorded on the island.
Fatalities and Damage
Tragically, the storm claimed the lives of a couple in their 70s and a man in his 30s, all members of a family whose home was swept away in Gamagori, a city in central Japan, late on Tuesday night, prior to the typhoon’s official landfall. The other two members of the family, both women in their 40s, were rescued following all-night recovery efforts, according to local broadcaster NHK.
Typhoon Shanshan has brought torrential rains, with forecasts predicting up to 600 mm of rain in some parts of Kyushu over the next 24 hours. The island, home to 12.5 million people, has seen extensive flooding and damage due to the intense downpours. Reports indicate that approximately 255,000 houses are currently without power, as per the island’s utility operator.
Widespread Impact and Response
The typhoon has caused significant disruption across various sectors in Japan. Major car manufacturers, including Toyota and Nissan, have shut down their plants temporarily. The companies cited concerns for employee safety and potential parts shortages due to the storm’s impact. Furthermore, hundreds of flights to and from southern Japan have been canceled, and several high-speed train services have been suspended, affecting thousands of travelers.
In addition to transportation disruptions, at least 39 people have been reported injured in the prefectures of Kagoshima and Miyazaki. Videos shared online reveal the storm’s devastating impact, with large trees swaying violently, roof tiles being ripped from homes, and debris being hurled through the air.
Evacuations and Future Threats
The local government in the central Shizuoka Prefecture, located on Japan’s main island of Honshu, had earlier issued evacuation advisories to 810,000 residents. An additional 56,000 people in Kagoshima, Kyushu, were instructed to evacuate, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. As Shanshan continues to move across Japan, the JMA expects the storm to approach the central and eastern regions, including Tokyo, over the weekend.
Special typhoon warnings, such as the one issued for Shanshan, are rare and reserved for extraordinarily powerful storms. The last such warning was declared in September 2022 for Typhoon Nanmadol, which also threatened Kyushu. Typhoon Shanshan follows closely on the heels of Typhoon Ampil earlier this month, which, despite causing only minor injuries and damage, disrupted hundreds of flights and train services. Additionally, northern Japan recently experienced record rainfall when Tropical Storm Maria struck Honshu.
Climate Change’s Role in Intensifying Storms
Typhoons in the region are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. Recent studies suggest that these storms are forming closer to coastlines, intensifying more rapidly, and lasting longer over land. The impact of Typhoon Shanshan is a stark reminder of these changing weather patterns and the increasing frequency of such natural disasters in Japan.
Looking Ahead
Japan now braces for further impacts as Typhoon Shanshan continues its path. The government and disaster management agencies are urging residents in affected areas to remain vigilant, follow evacuation orders, and stay updated with the latest weather reports. As the country grapples with the aftermath of Shanshan, the focus will be on recovery efforts and preventing further loss of life as the storm heads towards more densely populated regions, including the capital, Tokyo.
Japan’s preparedness for such typhoons is evident in its swift emergency response, but the increasing frequency and intensity of these storms due to climate change pose new challenges. The nation is once again reminded of the critical need for robust infrastructure, timely warnings, and community resilience in the face of nature’s fury.
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