Japan is currently grappling with the severe impact of Typhoon Shanshan, which has unleashed heavy rains and powerful winds across the nation, particularly in its southwestern regions. On Wednesday, August 28, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that central and eastern parts of the country were hit with nearly 10 inches of rain within a 24-hour period, causing widespread disruption.
The intense weather has led to significant interruptions in transportation. Numerous flights have been canceled by major airlines such as Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways, affecting key hubs including Osaka Kansai Airport. Additionally, the Shinkansen high-speed rail service has halted operations on several routes, with further disruptions anticipated in the near future.
In Aichi Prefecture, a landslide triggered by the storm buried a home, prompting a desperate search by rescue teams for three missing individuals. Two residents were pulled from the wreckage. Authorities have issued emergency warnings in multiple areas, especially in Kagoshima Prefecture, where residents are being urged to evacuate and prepare for possible flooding and further landslides.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Typhoon Shanshan was positioned roughly 90 kilometers south-southwest of Yakushima Island, moving slowly in a north-northwest direction. The storm is categorized as “very strong,” with sustained winds near its center reaching up to 180 kilometers per hour (112 miles per hour), and gusts reaching 252 kilometers per hour (156 miles per hour).
The JMA has issued severe warnings for strong winds, storm surges, and heavy rainfall. Southern Kyushu is particularly at risk, with forecasts predicting up to 500 millimeters (19.7 inches) of rain over the next 24 hours, and possibly up to 1,000 millimeters (39.4 inches) in some areas over the coming days.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has directed government agencies to coordinate closely with local authorities to ensure the safety of residents in high-risk areas. An emergency operations meeting was held to organize the disaster response, with a focus on ensuring that timely and accurate information reaches the public.
In a bid to reduce the risk of flooding, the government has begun controlled water releases from 53 dams across the country. In the Kyushu region, the storm has already caused power outages, affecting thousands of homes, including 12,480 households in Kagoshima Prefecture and 130 in Kumamoto Prefecture.
As Typhoon Shanshan continues its advance toward Japan’s southern islands, authorities remain on high alert. Residents are strongly encouraged to heed evacuation orders and stay prepared for worsening weather conditions.
