As a powerful typhoon approaches Japan’s southwest, authorities on Kyushu and Honshu islands have ordered evacuations and carmaker Toyota has suspended operations at 14 plants. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) estimated that Typhoon Shanshan was approaching Kyushu with extremely strong winds and high waves. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi warned that the typhoon could bring gusts of up to 250km/h (155mph) and residents were urged to take precautionary measures.
Evacuation orders have been issued for over 800,000 residents in Kagoshima prefecture in Kyushu and other areas in Honshu. Toyota has announced the suspension of operations at all its plants in Japan, while Japan Airlines and ANA have cancelled numerous flights affecting about 25,000 people. Kyushu Railway has also suspended some bullet train services and warned of possible disruptions.
The typhoon comes after Typhoon Ampil and Tropical Storm Maria caused blackouts, evacuations, and disruptions to transportation earlier this month. Researchers have linked the increasing intensity and frequency of tropical storms in the region to climate change, with typhoons forming closer to coastlines, intensifying more rapidly, and lasting longer over land.
Authorities are urging residents in the path of Typhoon Shanshan to take early precautionary measures and check their nearest shelters to ensure their safety. With postal and delivery services suspended, supermarkets closing early, and transportation services disrupted, the Japanese government is preparing for the impact of the approaching typhoon.
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