Typhoon Shanshan, which is moving slowly, has started to bring heavy rain to southern Japan. The typhoon is expected to bring strong winds, high waves, and significant rainfall across the country. As a result, weather officials have issued the highest-level warnings.
Tragically, three people lost their lives in a landslide that hit their house on Wednesday. Additionally, three others were injured in storm-related accidents.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued the highest-level warning for violent winds, high waves, and heavy rain for Kagoshima Prefecture. They have also issued an emergency storm surge warning. In southern Kyushu alone, up to 60 centimeters of rainfall is forecasted within 24 hours.
According to the agency’s latest update on Thursday morning, Typhoon Shanshan is heading north towards Kyushu with winds reaching up to 180 kilometers per hour.
The warm and humid air surrounding the typhoon combined with a separate high-pressure system caused heavy rain in Gamagori city in Aichi Prefecture. Unfortunately, this resulted in a landslide that buried a house with five people inside. Two individuals were rescued alive but sadly three others were found dead.
On Amami Island where the typhoon passed through earlier today (Thursday), one person was knocked down by a gust while riding a motorcycle.
Weather and government officials are deeply concerned about extensive damage across Japan as Typhoon Shanshan slowly moves up the archipelago over the next few days. There are fears of floods and landslides that could paralyze transportation systems as well as daily activities such as businesses.
Disaster Management Minister Yoshifumi Matsumura expressed his concerns during a task force meeting on Wednesday stating that this typhoon could bring “unprecedented” levels of violent winds, high waves, storm surges and heavy rain. He urged residents living along Shanshan’s predicted path to take precautionary measures early by checking their nearest shelters in order to save lives. Matsumura specifically emphasized older adults not hesitating but seeking shelter whenever there is any safety concern. To ensure sufficient disaster response resources are available if needed due to this typhoon threat; Sunday’s annual earthquake drills have been canceled by the government.
Due to these severe weather conditions caused by Typhoon Shanshan; dozens of domestic flights connecting southwestern cities and islands will be canceled until Friday while train services will be suspended on Kyushu starting Thursday with potential disruptions continuing through Sunday on Honshu island too.
Postal services have been suspended in Kyushu region along with early closures announced by supermarkets and other stores.