Typhoon Shanshan paralyzes Japan: Evacuations and transport chaos
Typhoon Shanshan is passing over Japan. The southern part of the country has been paralyzed by the disaster, and homes in the central part have been destroyed. This is the strongest phenomenon in this part of the world this year. Residents have been ordered to evacuate, and major companies like Toyota have closed their factories. There are also significant transportation disruptions, including the suspension of Shinkansen train services.
Due to Typhoon Shanshan, airlines and railway operators have canceled some services in the coming days. The typhoon is heading towards Kyushu, the largest island in southern Japan. As government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi stated, there may be "violent winds, high and stormy waves" that "have never been experienced before." The wind gusts can reach up to 157 mph.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued an emergency warning, informing that the typhoon may cause floods, landslides, and winds strong enough to destroy some houses.
Maximum caution is advised, as forecasts predict strong winds, high waves, and tides that have not been experienced so far, said chief meteorologist Satoshi Sugimoto at a press conference, quoted by Reuters.
Typhoon Shanshan moves over Japan. Significant transportation disruptions, evacuation orders issued
The Meteorological Agency announced that after striking Kyushu in the next few days, around the weekend, the storm is expected to approach central and eastern regions, including the capital, Tokyo.
According to agency data, up to about 24 inches of water may fall per square meter in the southern region, and even up to about 39 inches in some places.
Japanese authorities have issued evacuation orders for over 800,000 residents in Kagoshima Prefecture in southern Kyushu, as well as the central prefectures of Aichi and Shizuoka.
On Wednesday, a mudslide occurred that destroyed a house in the city of Gamagori in Aichi Prefecture. Rescue services are working on-site, and two people are reported missing.
The typhoon is moving slowly, which is why its impact may be long-lasting, warned infrastructure minister Tetsuo Saito. "Please exercise particular caution," he appealed to residents and local authorities.
Strong winds and heavy rains have also caused transportation disruptions. In Kyushu, on some sections of the track since Wednesday, high-speed Shinkansen trains are not running.
It was also necessary to cancel some flights at airports in Kagoshima and Miyazaki Prefectures, as well as to close some expressways.
Japanese car brand Toyota has suspended work at all its factories.
