29-8-2024 (TOKYO) A powerful typhoon has made landfall in southwestern Japan, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake and claiming at least three lives. Typhoon Shanshan, described by authorities as potentially one of the strongest storms ever to hit the region, struck near Satsumasendai city on the island of Kyushu early Thursday morning.
The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that Shanshan brought with it gusts of up to 198 kilometres per hour (123 mph), torrential rains, and the threat of landslides. The severity of the storm has prompted local governments to issue evacuation orders affecting millions of residents across several prefectures.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, in a sombre press briefing, confirmed the grim toll of the typhoon’s initial impact. “We can report that at least three individuals have lost their lives due to this severe weather event,” Hayashi stated. “Additionally, one person is currently missing, two have sustained severe injuries, and five others have suffered minor injuries.”
The slow-moving nature of Typhoon Shanshan has raised concerns about prolonged exposure to heavy rainfall. “The storm’s sluggish pace means we could see unprecedented accumulations of rain in affected areas,” Hayashi warned, underscoring the potential for further flooding and landslides.
The economic impact of the typhoon is already being felt across the region. Numerous factories have been forced to cease operations, and hundreds of flights have been cancelled, disrupting both domestic and international travel plans. The storm’s effects have rippled through supply chains and are expected to have a significant short-term impact on local and national economies.
As Shanshan continues its journey across Japan, meteorologists are closely monitoring its path. The weather agency predicts that after traversing Kyushu over the next few days, the typhoon is likely to approach central and eastern regions, including the capital Tokyo, around the weekend. However, experts caution that the storm’s exact trajectory remains challenging to forecast with precision.
