Typhoon Shanshan Batters Southern Japan, Leaves Three Dead
New Delhi: Typhoon Shanshan slammed into southern Japan on Thursday, bringing torrential rain and powerful winds that have claimed at least three lives. The storm made landfall in the morning on Kyushu Island and has since begun a slow northward journey along the Japanese archipelago, causing widespread alarm over potential flooding and landslides.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Miyazaki prefecture experienced about 60 centimeters of rainfall within just 24 hours—an amount that exceeds the average August rainfall for the entire month. The intense precipitation has led to swollen rivers, significantly increasing the risk of flooding and landslides in the region.
As Shanshan progresses north, it continues to unleash severe weather conditions across Japan. The JMA predicts that the typhoon will bring strong winds, high waves, and continued heavy rainfall, especially impacting the southern prefectures of Kyushu. By midday, the storm was advancing at a sluggish pace of 15 kilometers per hour, with wind speeds having decreased to 126 kilometers per hour. Despite the reduction in wind strength, the slow-moving nature of Shanshan and its persistent heavy rains are expected to exacerbate the risk of damage.
In response, authorities have issued urgent warnings to residents in vulnerable areas, advising them to prepare for possible adverse effects. As Typhoon Shanshan progresses up the archipelago, concerns mount over the storm’s potential to cause further damage, with ongoing vigilance necessary to mitigate its impact on communities across Japan.
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