A rapidly moving typhoon named “Shanshan” has begun ravaging Japan, bringing strong winds, huge waves, and heavy rainfall to most parts of the country. On Wednesday, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a rare highest-level warning to most areas in Kagoshima Prefecture in southwestern Japan, marking the 4th time in Japanese history that a typhoon special warning has been issued.
Japanese officials have stated that this could be one of the strongest storms the region has ever experienced. Residents along the path of Typhoon Shanshan have been advised to evacuate, and major companies like Toyota have shut down factories. According to the Kagoshima and neighboring Miyazaki prefectural governments, as of Wednesday, a total of 9 people have been injured due to landslides and traffic accidents caused by the storm.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has indicated that Typhoon Shanshan is expected to reach southern Kyushu on Thursday and may make landfall on the same day. The agency has issued the highest level of warnings for Kagoshima, including for violent winds, huge waves, and heavy rainfall, as well as an emergency storm surge warning. The agency predicts that southern Kyushu could receive up to 60 cm (23.6 inches) of rain within 24 hours.
As of Wednesday morning, Typhoon Shanshan was located approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) south of Yakushima Island moving north towards Kyushu with wind speeds of up to 180 kilometers per hour (112 miles per hour). The storm is expected to approach central and eastern regions, including the capital Tokyo, around the weekend.
Emergency warnings issued by the agency indicate potential flooding, landslides, and strong winds capable of destroying some buildings.
Authorities have ordered the evacuation of more than 800,000 residents in Kagoshima, Aichi, and Shizuoka prefectures.
In Aichi Prefecture where Toyota headquarters is located, some houses have collapsed due to landslides, with two people rescued and three others missing.
Japanese Minister of Disaster Management, Yoshifumi Matsumura, stated in a special task force meeting on Wednesday that the typhoon could bring “unprecedented” violent winds, huge waves, storm surges, and heavy rainfall.
He urged residents along the projected path of the typhoon to take preventive measures as soon as possible, such as checking the nearest evacuation center as a precaution. Matsumura also urged residents, especially the elderly, not to hesitate to seek shelter if they encounter any safety hazards. The government has also canceled the annual earthquake drill scheduled for Sunday to allocate disaster response resources.
Toyota announced the suspension of operations at all 14 of its factories in Japan from Wednesday evening to Thursday morning. Nissan stated that operations at its factories in Kyushu will be suspended on Thursday and Friday mornings, while Honda also plans to temporarily close its factory in Kumamoto in southwestern Kyushu.
Mazda Motor Corporation announced plans to suspend operations at its factories in Hiroshima and Hofu City in western Japan from Thursday evening to Friday.
Last week’s passing typhoon, “Ambei,” caused power outages and evacuations in some parts of Japan.
All Nippon Airways announced the cancellation of over 210 domestic flights departing from or arriving in southwestern Japan from Wednesday to Friday, affecting around 18,400 passengers.
Japan Airlines stated that it would cancel 402 domestic flights from Wednesday to Friday. Ten international flights operated by the two airlines will also be temporarily suspended.
The issuance of a special warning by the Japan Meteorological Agency for Typhoon Shanshan marks the 4th time following those in 2014, 2016, and 2022, with previous special warnings being issued for locations including Miyako Island and Okinawa Island, Okinawa Island, and Kagoshima Prefecture.
According to information on the agency’s official website, a special warning is issued when the predicted heavy rain, large tsunamis, and other severe disaster risks significantly increase beyond the standard warning criteria. This warning has been in effect since August 30, 2013.
(This article references reports from Reuters and the Associated Press)