Southwest Japan bears the brunt of powerful Typhoon Shanshan, leaving 54 injured and causing chaos across the region. Nagasaki residents scramble for safety as Toyota temporarily halts production nationwide due to the severe weather. With winds reaching an eye-watering 216 km/h, the typhoon showcases its formidable strength.
Reports from Japan's national broadcaster NHK suggest a man has vanished after being swept away by the ocean's furious waves near Kagoshima prefecture's coastline. Warnings issued by the meteorological agency urge residents to prepare for the typhoon's hazards, with 250,000 households losing power and large-scale evacuations ordered in Nagasaki. Rail services halt, and flights are grounded as the typhoon causes widespread disruption.
The relentless march of Typhoon Shanshan across Japan
With Toyota halting operations at each of its 28 production lines in 14 factories nationwide, employee safety and potential parts shortages due to the typhoon played a significant role in the decision. Labeled as the tenth typhoon of the year, "Shanshan" is estimated to cover the entirety of Japan in the coming days.
First reaching Satsumasendai in Kagoshima prefecture during the early morning hours, the typhoon then moved further north with wind gusts of up to 216 km/h, according to reports from the meteorological agency.
As Japan grapples with Typhoon Shanshan's destructive passage, the European Union expresses concern over the human toll and disruption, offering assistance to restore production and normalcy in affected areas.
European Union Witnesses Typhoon Shanshan's Disruption in Japan
Enrichment Data:
- The typhoon originated in the Mariana Islands on August 22, 2024, and approached the Amami region with tremendous strength on August 27.
- It then shifted its course northward, hitting southern Kyushu and making landfall near Satsumasendai City in Kagoshima Prefecture.
- Typhoon Shanshan caused significant weather conditions, with strong winds and heavy rain in Miyazaki Prefecture resulting in tornadoes, 39 injuries, and significant damage to houses.
- Using the supercomputer Fugaku, advanced weather prediction models were able to simulate the typhoon's effects, including tornado prediction with up to a week's lead time, although improvements are needed in accuracy.
- As of the latest forecast, no typhoon warnings have been issued for Tokyo due to a strong winter pattern bringing cold conditions across the country.
