Typhoon Shanshan Hits Kyushu, Japan: Heavy Rain and Landslides Reported

Typhoon Shanshan Strikes Kyushu, Japan

Typhoon Shanshan made landfall on Kyushu, the southernmost island of Japan, at approximately 8 a.m. local time on Thursday, as reported by the Japan Meteorological Agency. Although the storm had weakened prior to its arrival, the U.S. Navy’s Joint Typhoon Warning Center indicated it was still unleashing torrential rain across parts of southern Japan. The agency warned that the risk of life-threatening landslides and floods was escalating rapidly.

The formidable storm packed sustained winds of up to 97 miles per hour early Thursday, categorizing it as equivalent to a Category 2 hurricane. It made landfall near Satsumasendai City, home to around 100,000 residents, situated in Kagoshima Prefecture.

Tracking Typhoon Shanshan

For those interested, detailed tracking of Typhoon Shanshan is available, showcasing the storm’s likely path and expected wind arrival times.

Tragically, three individuals lost their lives when a landslide engulfed their home in Gamagori City, located in central Japan, which was already experiencing heavy rainfall. The local government confirmed this news early Thursday. In addition, approximately one million people are currently under evacuation orders, and nearly 40 individuals have sustained injuries due to the storm, according to the public broadcaster NHK. Furthermore, about 253,000 residents are without electricity, as reported by service provider Kyushu Electric Power Transmission and Distribution.

In a rare move, authorities issued emergency warnings for the storm across Kagoshima Prefecture. These warnings are the highest level of alert possible in Japan, typically issued only once every few decades for a specific area, indicating the potential for large-scale disasters, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

In response to the impending danger, Toyota announced it would halt production at all 14 of its factories in Japan starting Wednesday evening, prioritizing the safety of its workers.

Over the course of Tuesday and Wednesday, Typhoon Shanshan moved slowly past the Amami Islands, situated south of the mainland, before heading north towards Kyushu. Its sluggish progress has resulted in prolonged rainfall in certain areas, with some regions in southern Kyushu already receiving nearly two feet of rain, as reported by the meteorological agency.