Typhoon Shanshan, the strongest typhoon of the year in Japan, made landfall on Kyushu Island, bringing with it torrential rain and devastating winds reaching up to 252 km/h (157 mph). These extreme weather conditions have already left over 250,000 homes without power.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued severe warnings, forecasting up to 1,100mm (43 inches) of rainfall in southern Kyushu within 48 hours, which is about half of the region’s annual rainfall. This has led to significant concerns about potential widespread damage, particularly due to the storm’s slow movement, which increases the risk of prolonged exposure to these harsh conditions.
In response to the typhoon, authorities have issued a rare special typhoon warning for parts of Kagoshima prefecture in southern Kyushu, urging residents in high-risk areas to stay alert. The typhoon has caused widespread disruptions, with airlines and transport operators canceling numerous flights and train services.
The slow speed of Typhoon Shanshan, moving northwards at just 15 km/h, exacerbates the risk of major damage, particularly in mountainous regions prone to landslides. Unfortunately, there have already been reports of fatalities due to landslides, highlighting the severe threat posed by the storm.
The storm’s arrival has prompted significant industrial disruption as well, with major companies like Toyota halting production across all 14 of its factories. The heavy rains and violent winds have already caused damage in various areas, with reports of roofs being torn off, windows shattered, and trees uprooted.
The threat level is considered extremely high, with local authorities advising tens of thousands of people to evacuate to safer locations. The impact on daily life has been substantial, with around 25,000 people affected by flight cancellations alone.
Typhoon Shanshan follows closely on the heels of Typhoon Ampil, which had already disrupted transportation earlier in the month, although it caused relatively minor damage compared to Shanshan.
The Japanese government has only issued special typhoon warnings three times in the past, underscoring the severity of Shanshan’s potential impact. Previous typhoons that have warranted such warnings resulted in significant casualties and damage, particularly in regions like Okinawa and Kyushu.
The increasing intensity and frequency of these powerful storms are attributed to the broader climate crisis, which is causing typhoons to form closer to coastlines, grow stronger more quickly, and last longer once they make landfall.
This trend is fueled by warming ocean waters, which provide more energy to storms, resulting in more extreme rainfall and higher, more destructive storm surges. Climate breakdown contributes to the heightened risk and severity of these natural disasters, making them more dangerous and destructive over time.
