Typhoon Shanshan Batters Japan: 3 Dead, Massive Flooding, and Power Outages for 254,000 Households
August 28, 2024The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned that the slow movement of the typhoon could lead to heavy rainfall in Honshu, including major cities like Osaka and Nagoya.
Typhoon Shanshan, the tenth of the Pacific typhoon season, is currently moving northward across Japan, bringing significant rainfall and severe weather conditions.
The typhoon made landfall on Kyushu, Japan's southern main island, affecting approximately 12.5 million residents.
Rainfall has already reached 0.5 meters (20 inches) in various regions, with forecasts predicting totals up to 1 meter (40 inches) in some areas.
Local authorities have issued evacuation advisories for a total of 866,000 residents in Shizuoka and Kagoshima prefectures due to the anticipated severe weather.
Disaster Management Minister Yoshifumi Matsumura has urged residents, particularly the elderly, to seek shelter immediately and prepare for potentially unprecedented wind and rain levels.
As of August 28, at least three people have died and dozens have been injured, with over 254,000 households experiencing power outages.
The heavy rainfall and flooding increase the risk of insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever and cholera, due to stagnant water and exposure to contaminated floodwaters.
The severe weather has resulted in confirmed deaths and multiple injuries, highlighting the urgent need for safety precautions in affected areas.
Video footage from affected areas has shown significant damage, including blown-off roof tiles, broken windows, and fallen trees.
Dozens of domestic flights to southwestern cities and islands have been canceled, and the Shinkansen high-speed rail network is also experiencing disruptions.
Postal and delivery services in the Kyushu region have been suspended, and many supermarkets are closing early in response to the storm.
Summary based on 27 sources
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Sources
The New York Times • Aug 27, 2024
Typhoon Shanshan Approaches Japan, Bringing Heavy Rain and WindsThe Guardian • Aug 29, 2024
Japan prepares for ‘major disaster’ as Typhoon Shanshan nearsBBC News • Aug 29, 2024
Typhoon Shanshan makes landfall in Japan