Japan is bracing itself for an “extremely strong” typhoon named Shanshan, which is approaching the southern island of Kyushu with violent storms. The typhoon, with gusts of up to 252 kilometers per hour, is expected to make landfall soon, causing high waves and storm surges that may be unprecedented for the region.
Already, heavy rains have caused a landslide in Gamagori, leaving three people missing. The Japan Meteorological Agency predicts that Southern Kyushu could face up to 600 millimeters of rain in the next 24 hours.
As a precaution, evacuation advisories have been issued to hundreds of thousands of people in different prefectures. Japan Airlines and ANA Holdings have canceled numerous flights, while train services are also expected to be disrupted.
Typhoon Shanshan follows recent storms that have caused chaos in the country, highlighting the increasing intensity and frequency of typhoons in the region due to climate change. The Japanese government is urging residents to stay vigilant and evacuate if necessary.
A Japan Meteorological Agency satellite photo shows typhoon Shanshan moving closer to Kyushu island
Stay safe and follow official updates as Japan prepares for the impact of Typhoon Shanshan.
© 2024 AFP