Typhoon Shanshan wreaks havoc in Japan, causing mass evacuations
A typhoon Shanshan is passing over Japan. The disaster has paralyzed the southern part of the country, and homes in the central part have been destroyed. This is the strongest phenomenon in this part of the world this year. Residents have been ordered to evacuate, and major companies like Toyota have closed their factories. There are also significant transportation disruptions, including the suspension of Shinkansen train services.
Due to the typhoon Shanshan, airlines and railway operators will cancel some services in the coming days. The typhoon is heading towards Kyushu - the largest island in southern Japan. As government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi stated, there may be "violent winds, high and stormy waves" that "have never been experienced before". The wind gusts can reach up to 252 km/h.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued an emergency warning, informing that the typhoon may cause floods, landslides, and winds strong enough to destroy some houses.
Maximum caution is advised, as forecasts predict strong winds, high waves, and tides that have not been experienced so far, said chief meteorologist Satoshi Sugimoto at a press conference, quoted by Reuters.
Typhoon Shanshan moves over Japan. Significant transportation disruptions, evacuation orders issued
The Meteorological Agency announced that after striking Kyushu in the next few days, around the weekend, the storm is expected to approach central and eastern regions, including the capital, Tokyo.
According to Agency data, up to about 610 millimetres of water may fall per square metre in the southern region, and even up to about 990 millimetres in some places.
Japanese authorities have issued evacuation orders for over 800,000 residents in Kagoshima Prefecture in southern Kyushu, as well as the central prefectures of Aichi and Shizuoka.
On Wednesday, a mudslide occurred that destroyed a house in the city of Gamagori in Aichi Prefecture. Rescue services are working on-site, and two people are reported missing.
The typhoon is moving slowly, which is why its impact may be long-lasting - appealed to residents and local authorities infrastructure minister Tetsuo Saito. - Please exercise particular caution.
Strong winds and heavy rains have also caused transportation disruptions. In Kyushu, on some sections of the track since Wednesday, high-speed Shinkansen trains are not running.
It was also necessary to cancel some flights at airports in Kagoshima and Miyazaki Prefectures, as well as to close some expressways.
Japanese car brand Toyota has suspended work at all its factories.
