Japan issued an emergency warning on Wednesday as Typhoon Shanshan, a powerful storm, advanced towards the southwestern region. The typhoon has already caused significant disruptions, prompting Toyota Motor to suspend operations at all its domestic factories.
Severe Weather And Disruptions
Typhoon Shanshan, classified as “very strong,” is bringing heavy rain and winds of up to 50 metres per second, with gusts reaching 70 metres per second (252 km/h or 157 mph). The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has urged maximum caution, warning of strong winds, high waves, and high tides unlike anything seen before.
The typhoon is expected to make landfall on Japan’s southwestern Kyushu island in the coming days and could reach the central and eastern regions, including Tokyo, by the weekend.
Evacuations And Safety Concerns
In response to the impending storm, authorities have issued evacuation orders for over 800,000 residents in Kagoshima prefecture in Kyushu, as well as in the central prefectures of Aichi and Shizuoka. In Aichi, where Toyota’s headquarters are located, a house collapsed due to a landslide triggered by heavy rains. While three residents were rescued, two remain missing, according to reports from NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster.
Impact on Transportation and Industry
Toyota announced the suspension of operations at all 14 of its plants in Japan from Wednesday evening through Thursday morning as a precautionary measure. This decision underscores the severity of the storm and its potential impact on Japan’s industrial sector.
The typhoon has also led to widespread travel disruptions. ANA Holdings has cancelled more than 210 domestic flights scheduled between Wednesday and Friday, affecting approximately 18,400 passengers. Japan Airlines has similarly cancelled 170 domestic flights through Thursday, and both airlines have suspended a total of 10 international flights.
Ongoing Weather Challenges
Typhoon Shanshan is the latest in a series of severe weather events to hit Japan, following closely on the heels of Typhoon Ampil last week. Ampil also caused significant damage, including power outages and evacuations.
As Shanshan approaches, Japanese authorities and residents are bracing for the storm’s full impact, with safety measures and evacuations already underway to minimise the risk of casualties and damage.
(With Inputs from Reuters)
