A powerful typhoon named Shanshan made landfall in southern Japan on Thursday, bringing with it torrential rain and strong winds that have already resulted in at least three deaths. The storm hit the island of Kyushu, where parts of Miyazaki prefecture experienced nearly 2 feet of rainfall within a 24-hour period, surpassing the average for the entire month of August. The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued warnings of potential flooding and landslides as rivers in the region are at risk of overflowing.
As the typhoon continues its path northward at a speed of 9 mph, it is expected to impact most of the country with strong winds, high waves, and heavy rainfall. The southern prefectures of Kyushu are particularly vulnerable to the storm's effects. In Miyazaki, more than a dozen people have been injured, with reports of individuals being thrown to the ground. Additionally, nearly a quarter million households in Kyushu are currently without power, mainly in Kagoshima prefecture.
Prior to the typhoon's arrival, heavy rain triggered a landslide in Gamagori, resulting in the tragic deaths of three residents and injuries to two others. In Amami, one person was injured by a strong wind gust while riding a motorcycle. Authorities are bracing for further damage as Shanshan slowly moves across Japan, posing threats of floods and landslides.
Disaster Management Minister Yoshifumi Matsumura has warned of the potential for unprecedented levels of violent winds, high waves, storm surges, and heavy rain. Flight cancellations, train suspensions, and service disruptions have been implemented across affected regions, with postal and delivery services also being temporarily halted in Kyushu. The Tokyo region is currently preparing for heavy rain later this week as the typhoon's impact is expected to extend throughout the country.
