Typhoon Shanshan Strikes Japan: Millions Evacuated as Storm Causes Widespread Disruption

Typhoon Shanshan made landfall on Japan’s southwestern island of Kyushu early Thursday, unleashing devastating winds and heavy rain.

Authorities have issued evacuation orders for more than 5.2 million people as the storm has led to at least three confirmed deaths and numerous injuries. The typhoon, which hit near Satsumasendai city around 8:00 a.m. local time (2300 GMT Wednesday), brought winds of up to 252 kilometers per hour (157 miles per hour) and heavy rain. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Shanshan is slowly moving northward, raising concerns about prolonged severe weather and flooding.

According to Kyushu Electric Power Co, over 200,000 households in seven prefectures lost power as the storm moved on. Toyota, Nissan, and Honda have all suspended operations at their domestic plants due to the storm’s impact. Semiconductor companies including Renesas, Tokyo Electron, and Rohm also halted production at some of their facilities.

Airlines have been heavily affected, with Japan Airlines and ANA Holdings canceling nearly 800 flights, impacting approximately 25,000 passengers. Train services across Kyushu have been suspended, and hundreds of bus and ferry routes have also been disrupted.

The typhoon caused widespread damage, including broken windows, torn roofs, and downed power lines. In Miyazaki, a tornado associated with the storm shattered windows and caused additional power outages. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed that one person is missing and 45 others have been injured, some critically.

The meteorological agency has issued a special warning for Kagoshima and other parts of Kyushu, where the storm’s slow movement is expected to exacerbate rainfall, potentially resulting in landslides and flooding. Landslides caused by heavy rain in Gamagori city, central Japan, have already killed three family members.

The government has urged residents in high-risk areas to evacuate immediately and has placed extensive resources on standby to manage the disaster’s aftermath. The approach of Typhoon Shanshan, the most intense storm of the year so far, has heightened concerns about its impact on the broader region, including potential threats to the capital, Tokyo, later in the weekend.

This storm follows Typhoon Ampil, which also caused significant disruptions earlier this month. As Japan braces for further impacts, officials and emergency services are working to mitigate damage and assist affected communities.

With input from Reuters, the Guardian, DW.