As Typhoon Shanshan made landfall on the southwestern island of Kyushu, Japan is grappling with the devastating aftermath of one of the most ferocious storms in recent history. The typhoon, which has been downgraded to a severe tropical storm, has already claimed at least four lives, injured nearly 100 people, and prompted evacuation orders for five million residents in southwestern Japan.
Shanshan’s arrival has been marked by a relentless barrage of fierce winds and heavy rain. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported wind gusts reaching up to 123 mph, with the storm’s slow northward crawl—moving at a mere 8 mph—heightening the risk of flooding and landslides. This lethargic progression has allowed the storm to unleash its fury on a prolonged basis, leading to severe disruptions across the affected regions.
The southwestern island of Kyushu has borne the brunt of Shanshan’s assault. Factories have shuttered their doors, and hundreds of flights have been canceled as the typhoon churned its way across the region. The heavy rainfall has been particularly devastating, with some areas recording more than 700mm of precipitation—almost equivalent to the total annual rainfall in London. This deluge has caused widespread flooding, further exacerbated by the storm’s powerful winds that have damaged homes, overturned cars, and uprooted trees. The impact of the storm has also led to widespread power outages, leaving approximately 250,000 residents in the dark.
In Aichi prefecture, the storm’s wrath resulted in a tragic landslide that buried a house, claiming the lives of three individuals. Meanwhile, an 80-year-old man was killed in Tokushima when a roof collapsed under the immense pressure of the storm. The death toll, currently at four, reflects the storm’s severe impact, and Media has reported at least 94 injuries across the affected areas.
As Typhoon Shanshan progresses northward, its trajectory remains unpredictable. Forecasters are keeping a close watch on its path, which is expected to bring further challenges to central and eastern Japan, including the capital, Tokyo. The storm’s erratic movement complicates predictions, increasing anxiety and uncertainty for millions in its projected path.
In response to the escalating threat, evacuation orders have been issued for millions, as authorities prioritize public safety amid the chaos. Residents in affected regions are urged to follow evacuation orders and seek safety as the storm continues to wreak havoc.
Japan’s resilience in the face of natural disasters is well-known, but Typhoon Shanshan’s unprecedented intensity and prolonged impact are testing the nation’s emergency response systems. As the country braces for the storm’s ongoing effects, the full scale of Shanshan’s impact will continue to unfold in the days to come.
