TOKYO – In a devastating blow to the nation, Typhoon Shanshan has wreaked havoc across Japan, leading to tragic loss of life and widespread disruption. The powerful storm, which is considered one of the strongest to hit the country in decades, made landfall on the southern island of Kyushu, bringing with it torrential rains and violent winds that peaked at 252 km/h (157mph). The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its highest-level warnings. Around five million people have been evacuated as the typhoon poses severe threats of flooding and landslides.

The impact on the population has been profound, with at least three fatalities confirmed due to a landslide that engulfed a residence in the central city of Gamagori. The disaster management department reported two additional injuries from the incident. As the storm progressed, it caused significant damage to infrastructure, with numerous buildings damaged, power outages across a quarter of a million households, and the displacement of thousands as they sought refuge in shelters.

The transportation network has been severely affected, with national and international flights canceled, bullet trains and local train services suspended.  Japan Airlines canceled all flights to and from eight airports in southern Japan, including Nagasaki. According to FlightAware, more than 500 flights across the country have been canceled and hundreds more delayed. The Shinkansen bullet-train service was also suspended all across Kyushu. Also, major companies have been impacted, like Toyota halting operations.

As the typhoon weakens to a tropical storm, the concern shifts to the slow-moving nature of the system, which continues to drench the region with heavy rainfall. The Japan Coast Guard has been on high alert, and emergency services have been working tirelessly to respond to the crisis. The government has mobilized resources to assist in the recovery, but the full extent of the damage is yet to be realized. (zai)
Map: JapanNews, Photo: AT