Millions of residents have been urged to evacuate as Typhoon Shanshan unleashed torrential rains and fierce winds across Japan’s southwestern Kyushu region on Thursday. The powerful storm has caused widespread power outages, disrupted transportation, and forced the closure of major factories.
Authorities report that at least three people have lost their lives and dozens more have been injured as Shanshan, one of the strongest storms to hit the area in recent history, continues its destructive path. The typhoon, with gusts reaching up to 50 meters per second (180 kilometers per hour), was near Unzen city in Nagasaki Prefecture as of 1:45 p.m., moving north at approximately 15 km per hour, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
Industrial giants have taken precautionary measures, with Toyota suspending operations at all domestic plants. Other major companies such as Nissan, Honda, Renesas, and Tokyo Electron have also temporarily halted production at various facilities. The impact on the manufacturing sector highlights the storm’s potential economic repercussions.
In Miyazaki city, funeral parlor employee Tomoki Maeda experienced the typhoon’s fury firsthand. “I’ve never experienced such a strong wind or tornado in my 31 years of life,” Maeda recounted, describing shattered windows and damaged buildings as the storm swept through.
Power companies are battling extensive outages, with Kyushu Electric Power Co. reporting around 230,000 households across seven prefectures without electricity. Despite the storm’s intensity, the utility confirmed that there was no impact on the Sendai Nuclear Power Plant in Satsumasendai city, where the typhoon made landfall earlier in the day.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi announced in a press conference that three individuals have died and one person is missing due to typhoon-related incidents. The Disaster Management Agency noted that 45 people have sustained injuries thus far.
As Typhoon Shanshan hovers over Kyushu for the coming days, meteorologists warn that it is expected to approach central and eastern regions, including Tokyo, over the weekend. Evacuation notices have been issued to more than 5.2 million people nationwide, underscoring the storm’s widespread impact.
In the historic city of Hitoyoshi in Kumamoto Prefecture, hotel owner Madoka Kubo has seen all reservations canceled. “Our hotel is now sheltering elderly evacuees from nearby areas,” Kubo explained, highlighting the community’s efforts to protect its most vulnerable residents.
Transportation networks have been severely affected. Major airlines, including ANA Holdings and Japan Airlines, have canceled nearly 800 flights. Train services across Kyushu are suspended, and hundreds of bus and ferry operations have been halted, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
Typhoon Shanshan marks the latest in a series of severe weather events to strike Japan. Earlier this month, Typhoon Ampil caused similar disruptions, leading to blackouts and evacuations.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant and adhere to safety advisories as emergency services and local authorities continue to respond to the evolving situation.
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Millions evacuated as typhoon slams Japan's Kyushu, halting flights
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