A powerful Typhoon Shanshan swept through southern Japan. The destructive typhoon left a trail of destruction and claimed the lives of at least three people. More than 5.2 million people in Japan have been ordered to evacuate from their homes, Japanese authorities say. Before that, northern parts of Japan saw record rainfall when Tropical Storm Maria hit Honshu island.
A powerful typhoon Shanshan has struck southern Japan, resulting in the tragic deaths of three people and causing extensive damage across the region. The storm made landfall in Kagoshima prefecture on Kyushu island early Thursday morning. Moreover, it actively brings heavy rains and winds reaching speeds of up to 252 km/h (157 mph).
Among the victims were a couple in their 70s and a man in his 30s. Their home in Gamagori, central Japan, was swept away just before the typhoon made landfall. Two other family members, both women in their 40s, were rescued after an all-night search.
As a result of the storm, 255,000 homes have lost power, and at least 39 people have been injured in the Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures. Local governments have issued evacuation orders to over 800,000 people. Further warnings are in place as the storm is expected to move toward central and eastern Japan, including Tokyo, later in the week. More than 5.2 million people in Japan have been ordered to evacuate from their homes, Japanese authorities say.
Infrastructure Damage
The typhoon has disrupted daily life significantly. Major car manufacturers like Toyota and Nissan have halted operations in some factories. Over 600 flights and several high-speed train services have been cancelled. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has issued a rare “special warning” due to the storm’s intensity, cautioning residents about potential landslides, flooding, and large-scale damage.
This typhoon follows closely on the heels of Typhoon Ampil, which also caused blackouts and evacuations earlier in the month. Before that, northern parts of Japan saw record rainfall when Tropical Storm Maria hit Honshu island.
Experts note that climate change contributes to more frequent and intense typhoons in the region, with storms forming closer to coastlines and lingering longer over land.
