Typhoon Shanshan to Hit Japan: Hundreds of Thousands Evacuate as Powerful Storm Approaches

As Typhoon Shanshan approaches, Japan is preparing for significant disruption. The Japan Meteorological Agency reports that the typhoon is expected to reach southern Kyushu on the morning of the 29th (local time) and then move slowly across Japan throughout the weekend, potentially causing severe damage. Officials warn that Shanshan could become one of the country’s most powerful typhoons ever recorded. Even before making landfall, the situation escalated to a crisis, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of residents.

Typhoon Shanshan is about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of Kagoshima Prefecture, with a central pressure of 935 hPa. The storm produces strong winds near its center, with sustained winds reaching 50 m/s (112 mph) and peak gusts up to 70m/s (157 mph). These intense winds have the potential to collapse buildings and overturn trucks. The Meteorological Agency advises residents to exercise extreme caution as Shanshan is expected to maintain its strength.

Kagoshima and Miyazaki Prefectures are particularly affected, with strong winds and heavy rainfall causing significant damage and a high risk of landslides. In Kamagori City, Aichi Prefecture, a landslide has buried a family of five, resulting in one death and two serious injuries. Rescue efforts are ongoing, but the fate of the missing family members remains uncertain.

The economic impact of Typhoon Shanshan is considerable. Due to the approaching storm, major automobile manufacturers, including Toyota, Nissan, and Honda, have suspended their factory operations. Toyota halted operations at 14 vehicle assembly plants across Japan the previous evening. Nissan and Honda have also stopped production at their Kyushu region facilities. Further, Hitachi has ceased operations at its Yamaguchi Prefecture facility, which produces railway vehicles. Other companies have shut down production in anticipation of the typhoon.

Transportation services are also heavily disrupted. Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) have canceled numerous flights on the 29th, mainly affecting the Kyushu region. JAL has canceled 159 flights, and ANA has canceled 173, with more cancellations likely depending on the storm’s progression. Furthermore, the Kyushu Shinkansen has suspended high-speed train services between Kumamoto and Kagoshima, while both the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines are running at reduced speeds in some sections.

The Japan Meteorological Agency forecasts that Typhoon Shanshan will bring over 600 mm (24 inches) of heavy rain to Kyushu, Shikoku, and Tokai regions. This heavy rainfall and strong winds significantly heighten the risk of landslides and flooding. Residents are urged to evacuate promptly. As SanSan makes landfall, the scale of the damage is expected to worsen, prompting increased preparedness efforts across Japan.