Japan Typhoon Shanshan – live: Tropical storm brings record rainfall and leaves landslides in its path
Tens of thousands of people have been asked to evacuate in Tokyo as Shanshan, now a tropical storm, continued its northward march across the country.
Six people have died and dozens were injured as the storm made landfall as a typhoon on Thursday, one of the most powerful to hit the country’s southwest in decades.
An 80-year-old man and a man whose roof fell on him are the latest to be reported dead in the storm, after three died in landslides earlier.
The storm was moving slowly toward the northeast at the speed of 10km/h, and is expected to reach Tokyo by the weekend.
It was near Kunisaki in Oita Prefecture as of Friday morning, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 72km/h and gusts reaching up to 108km/h.
Some areas have already seen record rainfall totals with key rivers swelling up, prompting flooding fears.
Three rivers in Tokyo — Meguro, Nogawa and Sengawa — are under a Level 4 warning issued by the weather agency.
Several train lines are still impacted and many cities are under emergency alerts.
Key Points
Death toll rises to six as 100 injured
Evacuation alerts issued for parts of Tokyo
Thousands without power as Typhoon Shanshan makes landfall in Japan
Tropical storm Shanshan brings heavy rain and increased risk of landslide
05:30 , Shahana Yasmin
Japan’s meteorological agency said heavy localised rains are expected to persist all through Sunday in the Tokai, Kinki and Kanto regions.
Shizuoka Prefecture’s Atami City saw a record 640 mm rain in the past 72 hours, more than three times the average amount of rain the area saw in all of August.
The downpour also caused a landslide in Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, and landslide alerts are still active in several prefectures, reported NHK.
Some respite expected for train commuters today
04:41 , Shahana Yasmin
Operations on the Tokaido Shinkansen rail lines between Tokyo and Mishima stations in Shizuoka Prefecture started again on Sunday morning, but a section of the line between Mishima and Nagoya stations continued to be suspended.
Operator JR Central announced on Sunday morning that the Tokaido Shinkansen line is due to return to normal operations on Monday, although rainfall will determine continued running of the trains.
Multiple rail lines are still seeing disruptions in the Tokyo metropolitan area, with the Tokaido Line services between Odawara and Atami stations still suspended, with no updates on when services are to resume.
More than 35,000 homes without power in southern Kyushu after Shanshan made landfall
02:00 , Tara Cobham
More than 35,000 homes were without power in southern Kyushu's Kagoshima prefecture after Shanshan made landfall, according to Kyushu Electric.
Shanshan, centred in the Pacific Ocean some 480 km (300 miles) southwest of Tokyo at 12:50 p.m. (0350 GMT), triggered heavy rain as far away as the northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido, despite being downgraded to a tropical storm on Friday. Winds were gusting up to 25 metres per second (90 kph, 55 mph).
Recap: Watch as strong winds seen in Kagoshima when storm made landfall in Japan
01:00 , Tara Cobham
Shanshan weakens but intense rainfall continues
Sunday 1 September 2024 00:00 , Tara Cobham
Initially categorized as a typhoon, Shanshan made landfall Thursday.
It has since weakened, but its slow movement means intense rainfall lasts for long periods in a relatively large area.
Tropical Storm Shanshan made its way into central Japan on Saturday
Saturday 31 August 2024 23:00 , Tara Cobham
Tropical Storm Shanshan slowly made its way into central Japan on Saturday, halting trains and leaving underground passages brimming with water as officials warned of torrential rains in major cities, including Osaka and Tokyo.
The storm, packing winds of up to 65 kilometers (40 miles) per hour, crawled past the southwestern island of Shikoku and was traveling over the southern part of the main Honshu island at a speed of 15 kph (9 mph) by late afternoon. It was forecast to affect parts of Japan through Sunday and Monday, although its exact route was uncertain, the Japan Meteorological Agency said.
Recap: Millions told to evacuate as Shanshan tears through southern Japan
Saturday 31 August 2024 22:00 , Tara Cobham
At least six people have died after a powerful storm hit southern Japan on Thursday, with millions ordered to evacuate and hundreds of flights cancelled across the country.
Shanshan made landfall on the southwestern island of Kyushu early on Thursday as a typhoon, bringing winds gusting up to almost 200kmph. The local authorities had already shut down large parts of the island, warning that the storm could be one of the strongest ever to hit the region.
Though it weakened throughout the day into a tropical storm, it continued to bring strong winds, high waves, and very high volumes of rainfall as it moved towards the northeast. The storm’s path is largely tracking the main islands of Japan, meaning it is expected to bring significant disruption to Tokyo over the weekend.
My colleagues Stuti Mishra and Andy Gregory report:
Millions told to evacuate as Typhoon Shanshan tears through southwestern Japan
Shanshan causes major travel disruption in Japan, with dozens of flights cancelled
Saturday 31 August 2024 21:00 , Tara Cobham
Shanshan has caused major travel disruption in Japan, with dozens of flights cancelled and airlines forced to schedule alternative flights for stranded passengers.
In the southwest of the country, the storm left a broken bridge, as well as layers of mud and branches strewn on roads.
The Tokaido bullet train was halted between Nagoya and Mishima, the area projected to be most affected by the storm. Other local trains were running on delayed schedules.
Recap: Watch as Shanshan impacted southern Japan when making landfall
Saturday 31 August 2024 20:00 , Tara Cobham
Heavy rainfall and mudslide warnings issued for Saturday evening
Saturday 31 August 2024 19:00 , Tara Cobham
The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued heavy rainfall and mudslide warnings in Aomori, in northeastern Japan, for Saturday evening.
The local government of Suginami ward in Tokyo warned residents in risk areas to be ready to evacuate in case of mudslides.
Damage from storm's heavy rainfall hit more than 1,000km away from its centre
Saturday 31 August 2024 18:00 , Tara Cobham
Damage from the storm’s heavy rainfall hit a wide area, including more than 1,000 kilometers (600 miles) away from the center of the storm.
News footage showed overflooded rivers and cars immersed in muddied waters in Kanagawa Prefecture, southwest of Tokyo, even when the storm was technically still in southwestern Kyushu.
Shanshan causes at least six storm-related deaths so far
Saturday 31 August 2024 17:00 , Tara Cobham
Shanshan has caused at least six storm-related deaths and dozens of injuries since it began dumping rain on Japan Wednesday, according to public broadcaster NHK, which compiles tallies from local governments.
One person was swept by a river, another crushed by a fallen roof, a man was slammed onto the road by a blast of wind in southwestern Japan and three others were killed in a mudslide, it reported.
The public broadcaster also said a man who went out on a boat was missing and 127 people were injured.
Fierce Typhoon Shanshan winds force planes to abort landings at airport in Japan
Saturday 31 August 2024 16:00 , Tara Cobham
Fierce Typhoon Shanshan winds force planes to abort landings at airport in Japan
Shanshan weakened but leaves disorder in its path
Saturday 31 August 2024 14:59 , Joe Middleton
Shanshan has now been downgraded to a tropical storm, but is still seeing winds of 90kph.
Gifu and Mie prefectures saw heavy rain, and the meteorological agency has warned people to “remain vigilant for landslides, flooding and overflowing rivers”.
“This is the first time I saw a typhoon sweeping across all of Japan,” a resident in the capital, Tokyo, told Reuters.
“Typhoons are supposed to go north from Okinawa. So, I didn’t expect it to be like this. I’m very surprised.”
Pictures show the aftermath of Typhoon Shanshan
Saturday 31 August 2024 12:30 , Shahana Yasmin
Mie sees heavy rainfall while Kanto is on alert
Saturday 31 August 2024 11:30 , Shahana Yasmin
A Level 4 warning for heavy rainfall has been announced in Mie Prefecture, and the Kanto region is also on alert for similar weather.
Residents in Mie and Kanto Prefectures, as well as the prefectures of Yamanashi, Nagano and Niigata have been warned to stay alert for landslides and flooding.
The storm, according to the weather agency, is moving southeast at about 15 kph, with wind speeds going up to 65 kph and gusts reaching up to 90 kph.
Mobile networks in several parts of Japan affected
Saturday 31 August 2024 10:41 , Shahana Yasmin
Some parts of Japan, especially Kyushu, were seeing mobile network issues due to Shanshan.
Residents in some parts of Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki and Kagoshima using Softbank did not have a mobile signal on Saturday, caused by power outage or structural damage to their networks, reported Japan Times.
Residents who use NTT Docomo also reported similar failures in Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Oita and Kagoshima.
Shanshan weakened but leaves disorder in its path
Saturday 31 August 2024 10:18 , Shahana Yasmin
Shanshan has now been downgraded to a tropical storm, but is still seeing winds of 90kph.
Gifu and Mie prefectures saw heavy rain, and the meteorological agency has warned people to “remain vigilant for landslides, flooding and overflowing rivers”.
“This is the first time I saw a typhoon sweeping across all of Japan,” a resident in the capital, Tokyo, told Reuters.
“Typhoons are supposed to go north from Okinawa. So, I didn’t expect it to be like this. I’m very surprised.”
Typhoon Shanshan brings heavy downpour to several parts of Japan
Saturday 31 August 2024 09:52 , Shahana Yasmin
The storm moved eastward through Japan today, and national broadcaster NHK reported record levels of rainfall, with the storm taking the roof off of several houses and flooding roads in the southwest.
Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency said one person is missing, and more than 100 are injured.
Over 35,000 homes in southern Kyushu’s Kagoshima prefecture have no power, according to Kyushu Electric.
The storm is seeing winds of up to 90kph, and is forecast to weaken to a tropical depression over the weekend.
Watch: Typhoon Shanshan impacts southern Japan
Saturday 31 August 2024 08:30 , Shahana Yasmin
Heavy rains lead to increased risk of landslides
Saturday 31 August 2024 08:00 , Shahana Yasmin
Heavy rains caused by Typhoon Shanshan are expected to continue in western and eastern Japan, with heavy localised showers forecast on Saturday.
Heavy rain clouds may develop in Tokai, central Japan, through Sunday morning, intensifying chances of further disasters.
The downpours have also heightened the risk of landslides in Iwate, Saitama, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Shizuoka, Mie and Gifu prefectures, and warnings have been issued for some areas.
Parts of the Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Aichi, Gifu, Shizuoka, Mie and Shiga prefectures remain under evacuation orders.
Pictures from across Japan showing the aftermath of Typhoon Shanshan
Saturday 31 August 2024 07:30 , Shahana Yasmin
Watch: Plane aborts landing amid Typhoon Shanshan
Saturday 31 August 2024 07:11 , Athena Stavrou
Footage has shown a plane plane tilting from side to side before being forced to abort its landing in Fukuoka, Japan.
The video shows Flight 1408 from South Korea battling the strong winds of from Typhoon Shanshan. It is believed to have landed safely on another runway later.
Video captures Jeju Air 737 battling strong winds from Typhoon Shanshan during aborted landing in Fukuoka.
Flight 1408 from South Korea landed safely on another runway moments later.
Typhoon Shanshan slammed into Japan on Thursday, injuring dozens as howling winds smashed… pic.twitter.com/5mKw2jGyhi— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) August 29, 2024
Transport all across Japan disrupted due to Shanshan
Saturday 31 August 2024 06:45 , Shahana Yasmin
All train services between Nagoya and Mishima stations on the Tokaido Shinkansen, linking Tokyo and Osaka, have been suspended for both Saturday and Sunday following heavy rains due to Typhoon Shanshan.
Operator JR Central also suspended trains between Gifu-Hashima and Maibara on Saturday morning, adding that the bullet train could be suspended at other stations also depending on the rain.
Most major air carriers, including All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines, cancelled dozens of flights.
Sections of the expressways across the country are also shut. Highway operators have urged motorists to keep checking the latest road information, since traffic restrictions could be imposed for long periods.
Mapped: Where has the storm been and where is it heading?
Saturday 31 August 2024 06:30 , Shahana Yasmin
Shanshan, now a tropical storm, is continuing its northward march across Japan having made landfall as a typhoon on Thursday.
The weather system first hit the southwestern region of the country Kyushu on Thursday in what authorities said could be the strongest storm to have ever hit the area.
As of Thursday, 30,000 had been evacuated, mainly in Kyushu, disaster management minister Yoshifumi Matsumura said.
It moved slowly through the southern main island on Thursday and Friday, making its way to the northern edge of the Shikoku island, east of Kyushu, on Friday night local time.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said Shanshan was heading east toward the Shikoku and Honshu main islands with 72 kph (44 mph) winds but a forward speed of just 10 kph (6 mph).
It is expected to reach Tokyo by the end of the weekend. Although the storm is still quite far from the city, it has had a far-reaching impact, dumping heavy rain around Tokyo and flooding roads and riverside areas in the south.
Flooding was reported in a number of areas in Kanagawa prefecture, west of Tokyo. Warnings for heavy rain and potential landslides included the densely populated capital, Kanagawa and nearby Shizuoka prefecture.
Shanshan reaches Tokyo, leaving behind broken bridges and mudslides
Saturday 31 August 2024 06:15 , Shahana Yasmin
Typhoon Shanshan slowly made its way northeast through Japan heading towards Tokyo on Saturday.
The storm set off a mudslide that killed three, left underground passages filled with water, and halted trains.
Meteorological officials warned of torrential rains in major cities like Osaka and Tokyo, reported the Associated Press.
Shanshan with winds that blew up to 65 kilometres per hour and is expected to hit parts of Japan through Sunday and Monday, though its exact route is still uncertain.
Typhoon Shanshan was intensified by climate change, researchers say
Saturday 31 August 2024 05:22 , Athena Stavrou
Typhoon Shanshan was likely intensified by climate change, a study from Imperial College London has found.
Researchers found that Shanshan’s maximum wind speeds were 7.5 per cent stronger due to a warmer climate.
The typhoon, which made landfall on Kyushu island, is one of the most powerful to hit the country in years.
The study warns that such powerful storms are likely to become more common, potentially occurring nearly six times a decade.
Shanshan’s impact has been felt by ordinary Japanese citizens as well as major companies, including Toyota and Nissan, which were forced to halt operations in Kyushu.
Most major storms in recent years have been found to have made worse due to rising temperatures. Hot water in the ocean is known to intensify tropical storms like typhoons and hurricanes and ocean temperatures have been the highest on record in recent years.
Tokyo residents urged to stay home
Saturday 31 August 2024 03:57 , Athena Stavrou
Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike urged residents to stay home and remain vigilant as Tropical Storm Shanshan impacts the capital.
“In Tokyo, heavy rain has been recorded since yesterday, and flood and landslide warnings have been issued,” Ms Koike said on Friday, according to The Japan Times.
She said Tokyoites should use hazard maps and disaster prevention tools provided by the Tokyo metropolitan government and to prioritise safety by staying indoors as much as possible.
“Protect your life and the lives of your loved ones by refraining from going out.”
At least 10 buildings have reported light flooding, with similar damage in the Tama district.
Watch: Typhoon Shanshan: Strong winds in Kagoshima as storm makes landfall in Japan
Saturday 31 August 2024 02:25 , Athena Stavrou
Watch: Typhoon Shanshan impacts southern Japan
Saturday 31 August 2024 01:01 , Athena Stavrou
Scores of homes damaged as Typhoon Shanshan wreaks havoc
Friday 30 August 2024 23:54 , Athena Stavrou
Typhoon Shanshan has caused significant damage to homes and properties after making landfall in the southwestern Japanese prefecture of Kagoshima.
The powerful storm hit the city of Satsuma Sendai early Thursday, bringing violent winds and torrential rains that have devastated the region.
In Miyazaki City, over 160 buildings suffered damage, including 69 residential properties and 35 commercial structures, according to Japan Times.
Residents in the Shirokase area of Miyazaki reported sudden, fierce winds that shattered windows and caused injuries.
At least six deaths have been confirmed so far and dozens were hurt.
However, more than 250,000 households across seven prefectures remained without power.
There’s also a risk that typhoon’s winds are strong enough to potentially cause structural damage to some houses.
Storm chasers describe ‘complete whiteout’ reminiscent of ‘dementors in Harry Potter’
Friday 30 August 2024 22:49 , Athena Stavrou
As the typhoon approached the southern coast of Kyushu in the small hours of Thursday, storm chaser James Reynolds described a “complete whiteout at times” in Makurazaki, as the eyewall of the typhoon brought fierce winds, sheets of rain and infrequent lightning, leaving its harbour a “churning cauldron”.
In further X posts on Thursday morning local time, Mr Reynolds described widespread power outages and blocked roads as he shared footage of trees uprooted and rivers gushing with rainwater.
Fellow storm chaser Jonathan Petramala, also shared footage of the swirling blankets of rain in Makurazaka, writing: “This vortex in the inner eye wall ... reminds me of the Dementors in HarryPotter”.
After returning to his hotel, Mr Petramala wrote: “The eye wall is still grinding over us ... The whole building is shaking.”
Car manufacturers close factories
Friday 30 August 2024 21:54 , Athena Stavrou
Numerous companies have halted operations at their factories as the severe tropical storm hits Japan.
Toyota, which is headquartered in Aichi Prefecture, suspended operations at all 14 of its plants in Japan from Wednesday evening, it said.
Nissan said it would suspend operations at its Kyushu plant on Thursday and Friday morning, while Honda will also temporarily close its factory in Kumamoto in southwestern Kyushu.
Also, Mazda Motor planned to suspend operations at its Hiroshima and Hofu plants, both in western Japan, from Thursday evening, the firm said.
Japan asked to brace for ‘prolonged and widespread’ rainfall
Friday 30 August 2024 21:02 , Athena Stavrou
At a Friday news conference, land minister Tetsuo Saito urged people to stay alert as Tropical Storm Shanshan, though moving east, remains difficult to track.
“Heavy rainfall and other effects may be prolonged and widespread,” Mr Saito warned, according to Japan Times.
The land ministry said storm damage, including 13 landslides in Miyazaki Prefecture, water outages in Kagoshima and Oita, and sunken fishing boats in Kagoshima and Miyazaki. A landslide in Isehara, Kanagawa Prefecture, caused a road blockage.
“Please continue to check the weather and evacuation information,” he advised.
Evacuation alerts issued for parts of Tokyo - recap
Friday 30 August 2024 20:15 , Athena Stavrou
Evacuation orders have also been issued for multiple cities in western Tokyo, including Hachioji, Tama and Machida, due to the risk of landslides.
In Tokyo, parts of Setagaya and Suginami wards are also under evacuation orders. Kanagawa has issued evacuation orders in over 30 cities and towns, including parts of Yokohama and Kawasaki. In Saitama, an evacuation order was announced in the city of Iruma.
Evacuation orders are also in place across various cities and towns in all prefectures of the Kyushu region, as well as in Tokushima, Ehime, and Kochi in Shikoku. Additionally, parts of Aichi and Shizuoka remain under evacuation orders.
Shanshan’s slow speed causes more damage
Friday 30 August 2024 19:30 , Athena Stavrou
Japanese authorities have claimed the slow speed of storm Shanshan has meant it has cause more damage across the country.
Shanshan made landfall Thursday morning on the southern main island of Kyushu as a powerful typhoon. It steadily weakened but did not move much and was on the northern edge of the Shikoku island, east of Kyushu, Friday night.
The slow pace increases the amount and duration of the rainfall and risks of disaster, experts say.
Friday 30 August 2024 18:45 , Athena Stavrou
Trains, planes and delivery services all stunted in Japan
Friday 30 August 2024 18:02 , Athena Stavrou
Trains, planes and delivery services have all been severely impacted in Japan in the wake of tropical storm Shanshan.
Hundreds of domestic flights connecting southwestern cities were canceled, and Shinkansen bullet trains were suspended between Tokyo and Osaka on Friday.
Postal and delivery services were mostly suspended in southwestern regions of Kyushu and Shikoku, and supermarkets and other stores were closed in the region.
Automakers including Toyota Motor Corp and Mazda Motor Corp closed down their factories in the affected regions through Friday.
Full story: Storm Shanshan brings heavy rain to Tokyo after widespread flooding and travel chaos across southern Japan
Friday 30 August 2024 17:13 , Athena Stavrou
A slow-moving tropical storm had a far-reaching impact in much of Japanon Friday, dumping heavy rain around Tokyo and flooding roads and riverside areas in the south.
Flooding was reported in a number of areas in Kanagawa prefecture, west of Tokyo, where floodwater blocked roads, stalling vehicles and traffic.
Warnings for heavy rain and potential landslides included the densely populated capital, Kanagawa and nearby Shizuoka prefecture.
Muddy water flowed down the Meguro River in one of Tokyo’s popular cherry blossom viewing spots, the water significantly swollen from its usual levels, NHK television footage showed.
Storm Shanshan brings heavy rain to Tokyo after passing southern Japan
Death toll rises to six
Friday 30 August 2024 16:30 , Athena Stavrou
At least six people have now died as Shanshan continues to wreak havoc across Japan.
The typhoon killed three people before it even made landfall on Thursday, as it caused a landslide that killed three people.
Three more have since been found dead, according to prefectural disaster management offices.
A man in his 80s died in Fukuoka, after falling into a river. Another elderly man died when he was thrown to the ground at a shrine in the Saga prefecture. A sixth victim was killed in Tokushima when the roof of his house fell on him.
About 100 people have been injured across the country, most of them in the Kyushu region. Two people are missing.
Mapped: Where has the storm been and where is it heading?
Friday 30 August 2024 16:00 , Athena Stavrou
Shanshan, now a tropical storm, is continuing its northward march across Japan having made landfall as a typhoon on Thursday.
The weather system first hit the southwestern region of the country Kyushu on Thursday in what authorities said could be the strongest storm to have ever hit the area.
As of Thursday, 30,000 had been evacuated, mainly in Kyushu, disaster management minister Yoshifumi Matsumura said.
It moved slowly through the southern main island on Thursday and Friday, making its way to the northern edge of the Shikoku island, east of Kyushu, on Friday night local time.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said Shanshan was heading east toward the Shikoku and Honshu main islands with 72 kph (44 mph) winds but a forward speed of just 10 kph (6 mph).
It is expected to reach Tokyo by the end of the weekend. Although the storm is still quite far from the city, it has had a far-reaching impact, dumping heavy rain around Tokyo and flooding roads and riverside areas in the south.
Flooding was reported in a number of areas in Kanagawa prefecture, west of Tokyo. Warnings for heavy rain and potential landslides included the densely populated capital, Kanagawa and nearby Shizuoka prefecture.
Cars float in water as streets of Japan flooded
Friday 30 August 2024 15:37 , Athena Stavrou
People have shared concerning footage of extreme flooding in Japan as Shanshan, now a tropical storm, continues its northward march across the country.
Images from the town of Ninomiya, south of Tokyo, show water flooding the streets - reaching heights of car windows.
Floodwater from a river stalled vehicles on a street and broken tree branches were stuck on a bridge over the swollen water.
Flooding in the town of Ninomiya due to heavy rainfall brought on by Typhoon Shanshan
📌 #Kanagawa | #Japan 🇯🇵#floods #flooding #TyphoonShanshan #Shanshan #Ninomiyapic.twitter.com/72lTVhtJrv— DISASTER TRACKER (@DisasterTrackHQ) August 30, 2024
Watch: Plane aborts landing amid Typhoon Shanshan
Friday 30 August 2024 15:15 , Athena Stavrou
Footage has shown a plane plane tilting from side to side before being forced to abort its landing in Fukuoka, Japan.
The video shows Flight 1408 from South Korea battling the strong winds of from Typhoon Shanshan. It is believed to have landed safely on another runway later.
Video captures Jeju Air 737 battling strong winds from Typhoon Shanshan during aborted landing in Fukuoka.
Flight 1408 from South Korea landed safely on another runway moments later.
Typhoon Shanshan slammed into Japan on Thursday, injuring dozens as howling winds smashed… pic.twitter.com/5mKw2jGyhi— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) August 29, 2024
Tropical Storm Shanshan latest forecast
Friday 30 August 2024 14:45 , Stuti Mishra
Heavy rain and strong winds will continue impacting Japan into the weekend as Tropical Storm Shanshan moves eastward across Japan, forecasters say.
The storm is expected to weaken into a tropical depression by Sunday, according to the Japanese Meteorological Agency.
Despite this, some regions might still experience significant rainfall through Tuesday.
The Tokai region could receive up to 900mm of rain in the next 72 hours, while the Kinki and Kanto regions are forecasted to see 650mm and 450mm respectively.
Mapped: Tropical Storm Shanshan path
Friday 30 August 2024 13:45 , Stuti Mishra
Typhoon Shanshan was intensified by climate change, researchers say
Friday 30 August 2024 13:00 , Stuti Mishra
Typhoon Shanshan was likely intensified by climate change, a study from Imperial College London has found.
Researchers found that Shanshan's maximum wind speeds were 7.5 per cent stronger due to a warmer climate.
The typhoon, which made landfall on Kyushu island, is one of the most powerful to hit the country in years.
The study warns that such powerful storms are likely to become more common, potentially occurring nearly six times a decade.
Shanshan's impact has been felt by ordinary Japanese citizens as well as major companies, including Toyota and Nissan, which were forced to halt operations in Kyushu.
Most major storms in recent years have been found to have made worse due to rising temperatures. Hot water in the ocean is known to intensify tropical storms like typhoons and hurricanes and ocean temperatures have been the highest on record in recent years.
Summary: Tokyo on alert as Storm Shanshan continues to crawl through Japan
Friday 30 August 2024 12:15 , Stuti Mishra
The storm has already dumped significant rain around Tokyo, causing rivers to swell and roads to flood.
Widespread flooding in Kanagawa Prefecture, west of Tokyo, blocked roads, stalled vehicles, and disrupted traffic.
The Meguro River, one of the main waterbodies running through Tokyo, is significantly swollen due to the storm.
Cars submerged in water, pedestrians wading through floodwater, and vehicles stalled due to river flooding in Kanagawa towns.
Shanshan made landfall as a typhoon in Kyushu on Thursday, then weakened and moved slowly off Kyushu's northeastern coast, increasing rainfall and disaster risks.
Shanshan is moving east toward Shikoku and Honshu, with winds of 72km/h (44mph) and a slow pace of 10km/h (6mph).
Up to 30cm (11 inches) of rain is expected in Shikoku and central Japan, and up to 15cm (6 inches) in Tokyo and nearby areas over the next 24 hours.
About 100 injuries reported, mostly in Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures, two people missing and three killed in a pre-landfall landslide.
Hundreds of domestic flights cancelled and Shinkansen bullet trains between Tokyo and Osaka were suspended.
Postal services were suspended, supermarkets and stores closed, and automakers like Toyota and Mazda shut down factories in affected regions.
Tokyo residents urged to stay home
Friday 30 August 2024 11:30 , Stuti Mishra
Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike urged residents to stay home and remain vigilant as Tropical Storm Shanshan impacts the capital.
"In Tokyo, heavy rain has been recorded since yesterday, and flood and landslide warnings have been issued," Ms Koike said on Friday, according to The Japan Times.
She said Tokyoites should use hazard maps and disaster prevention tools provided by the Tokyo metropolitan government and to prioritise safety by staying indoors as much as possible.
"Protect your life and the lives of your loved ones by refraining from going out."
At least 10 buildings have reported light flooding, with similar damage in the Tama district.
Photos: Typhoon Shanshan continues to disrupt Japan's transport system
Friday 30 August 2024 10:50 , Stuti Mishra
Over a hundred injured, two missing
Friday 30 August 2024 09:45 , Stuti Mishra
Tropical Storm Shanshan has left four people dead, two missing, and at least 104 injured as of Friday afternoon, according to Japan's national broadcaster, NHK.
In Kagoshima Bay, a man in his 60s went missing after falling from a small boat on Wednesday night. The Japan Coast Guard later found a body nearby, which they are investigating for a possible connection.
Another man in his 80s went missing in Chikujo, Fukuoka prefecture, after observing a river. A body was found in the river, and authorities are continuing their investigation, The Japan Times reported.
As the storm moves east, officials are urging people to stay safe and avoid riverbanks.
Photos: Businesses clean up after flooding
Friday 30 August 2024 09:15 , Stuti Mishra
Roads littered with debris and typhoon force winds, photos show Shanshan's impact
Friday 30 August 2024 08:45 , Stuti Mishra
Photos and videos posted by residents show the impact of Storm Shanshan.
My Daughter and son in-law are currently in Tokyo.
Typhoon Shanshan slams Japanese island killing three, leaving one missing, and thousands without power
The storm has caused widespread damage on Kyushu Island, including landslides that have destroyed homes, and an emergency… pic.twitter.com/ye0W0I3nds— John Metzner (@JohnRMetzner) August 29, 2024
Photo: Car submerged as roads turn into rivers
Friday 30 August 2024 08:15 , Stuti Mishra
Japan asked to brace for 'prolonged and widespread' rainfall
Friday 30 August 2024 07:40 , Stuti Mishra
At a Friday news conference, land minister Tetsuo Saito urged people to stay alert as Tropical Storm Shanshan, though moving east, remains difficult to track.
“Heavy rainfall and other effects may be prolonged and widespread,” Mr Saito warned, according to Japan Times.
The land ministry said storm damage, including 13 landslides in Miyazaki Prefecture, water outages in Kagoshima and Oita, and sunken fishing boats in Kagoshima and Miyazaki. A landslide in Isehara, Kanagawa Prefecture, caused a road blockage.
“Please continue to check the weather and evacuation information,” he advised.
Where is the storm now?
Friday 30 August 2024 06:55 , Stuti Mishra
Tropical Storm Shanshan has left Kyushu and is now moving northeast toward Shikoku island.
As of noon local time on Friday, it was near Yanai city in Yamaguchi Prefecture, bringing winds of up to 108km/h.
The storm has caused power outages for over 100,000 households in Kyushu, mainly in Kagoshima.
Heavy rain is expected to continue in the affected areas, including Kanto.
Power outages have also been reported in Tochigi, Shizuoka, and Kanagawa.
Four dead so far
Friday 30 August 2024 06:07 , Stuti Mishra
An 80-year-old man died when a roof collapsed some 150 miles west in Tokushima, according to NHK, taking the death toll to four.
Earlier, three people were killed when a landslide buried a house in the central Aichi prefecture.Dozens of people have also sustained injuries as the storm tracks across Japan’s main islands.
Evacuation alerts issued for parts of Tokyo
Friday 30 August 2024 05:21 , Stuti Mishra
Evacuation orders have been issued in several areas of Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefecture due to the risk of landslides.In Tokyo, these orders affect multiple cities in the western part of the region, including all of Hachioji, Tama, and Machida, as well as parts of Chofu, Fuchu, Nishitokyo, and Mitaka. Central areas like Setagaya and Suginami wards are also impacted. Over 146,000 people in Tama and over 102,000 people in Machida are affected.Kanagawa has issued evacuation orders in more than 30 cities and towns, including parts of Yokohama and Atsugi.Evacuation orders are also in place across various cities and towns in all prefectures of the Kyushu region, as well as in Tokushima, Ehime, and Kochi in Shikoku. Additionally, parts of Aichi and Shizuoka remain under evacuation orders.
Rivers breach flood danger levels
Friday 30 August 2024 04:38 , Stuti Mishra
Multiple rivers have swelled after incessant rainfall in the last two days, reaching dangerous levels and prompting flooding concerns.
Early on Friday a level 4 flood danger alert – the second highest on a five-tier scale – was issued for Tokyo's Meguro River.
More alerts have also been issued for multiple wards near the Meguro, Nogawa and Sengawa rivers, including Meguro, Shinagawa, Setagaya, Mitaka City, Fuchu City, Chofu City, Koganei City, and Komae City.
Bullet trains in Tokyo region suspended as storm approaches
Friday 30 August 2024 03:55 , Andy Gregory
Hundreds of domestic flights connecting southwestern cities and islands were cancelled on Thursday, and bullet trains and some local train services were suspended.
In the Tokyo region, Shinkansen bullet trains connecting Tokyo and Osaka were suspended starting Thursday evening due to heavy rain in the central region. Bullet train service also was to be suspended in parts of the western and central regions on Friday.
As the storm headed northeast, similar steps were taken in parts of the main island of Honshu that were experiencing heavy rain. Postal and delivery services were suspended in the Kyushu region, and supermarkets and other stores planned to close.
Satellite images show storm as it passes over Japan
Friday 30 August 2024 02:56 , Andy Gregory
Here is the most recent satellite view of the severe tropical storm as it passes over Japan, via Colorado State University’s Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere.
Typhoon Shanshan made landfall on the Japanese island of Kyushu earlier today.
The storm is expected to continue to impact Japan in the coming days with heavy rain and strong winds. pic.twitter.com/AbjTeo9KC1— CIRA (@CIRA_CSU) August 29, 2024
Car manufacturers close factories
Friday 30 August 2024 01:55 , Andy Gregory
Numerous companies have halted operations at their factories as the severe tropical storm hits Japan.
Toyota, which is headquartered in Aichi Prefecture, suspended operations at all 14 of its plants in Japan from Wednesday evening, it said.
Nissan said it would suspend operations at its Kyushu plant on Thursday and Friday morning, while Honda will also temporarily close its factory in Kumamoto in southwestern Kyushu.
Also, Mazda Motor planned to suspend operations at its Hiroshima and Hofu plants, both in western Japan, from Thursday evening, the firm said.
Storm chasers describe ‘complete whiteout’ reminiscent of ‘dementors in Harry Potter’
Friday 30 August 2024 00:54 , Andy Gregory
As the typhoon approached the southern coast of Kyushu in the small hours of Thursday, storm chaser James Reynolds described a “complete whiteout at times” in Makurazaki, as the eyewall of the typhoon brought fierce winds, sheets of rain and infrequent lightning, leaving its harbour a “churning cauldron”.
In further X posts on Thursday morning local time, Mr Reynolds described widespread power outages and blocked roads as he shared footage of trees uprooted and rivers gushing with rainwater.
Fellow storm chaser Jonathan Petramala, also shared footage of the swirling blankets of rain in Makurazaka, writing: “This vortex in the inner eye wall ... reminds me of the Dementors in HarryPotter”.
After returning to his hotel, Mr Petramala wrote: “The eye wall is still grinding over us ... The whole building is shaking.”
Thousands watch livestream of famous palm tree being battered by Typhoon Shanshan
Thursday 29 August 2024 23:56 , Andy Gregory
In case you missed it yesterday as Shanshan made landfall, thousands of people across Japan were watching a livestream of a famous palm tree in Kagoshima, nicknamed “Yasshi”, as it was buffeted by the storm.
“Yasshi is located next to a resort hotel and became famous for surviving major typhoons,” Dr Jeffrey J Hall, a lecturer at Kanda University of International Studies, said on X, adding: “Hang in there, Yasshi! You can survive this!”
While the livestream has currently lost its connection, thousands still appeared to be watching it in the hopes of monitoring the palm tree’s fate. By Thursday morning, the tree still appeared to be standing strong.
The hotel previously made a towel commemorating Yasshi’s survival over typhoons in the past two years, according to Dr Hall.
Yasshi is located next to a resort hotel and became famous for surviving major typhoons. Here is a photo of a towel the hotel made commemorating Yasshi's brave victory over typhoons that hit the area in 2022 and 2023.https://t.co/E5Qy8II5jY
— Jeffrey J. Hall 🇯🇵🇺🇸 (@mrjeffu) August 28, 2024
Multiple Tokyo rivers breach flood danger levels
Thursday 29 August 2024 22:57 , Andy Gregory
Flood danger levels have been breached in multiple rivers across Tokyo, national broadcaster NHK reports, citing Japan’s Meteorological Agency.
Alerts have been issued for multiple wards near the Meguro, Nogawa and Sengawa rivers, including Meguro, Shinagawa, Setagaya, Mitaka City, Fuchu City, Chofu City, Koganei City, and Komae City.
High waves pictured on South Korean coast
Thursday 29 August 2024 21:58 , Andy Gregory
High waves were pictured hitting Haeundae Beach in South Korea’s southeastern port city of Busan, as Typhoon Shanshan passes through the region to the southeast.
Pictured: Heavy rainfall in Tokyo as capital braces for storm
Thursday 29 August 2024 20:30 , Andy Gregory
Rain lashed Tokyo on Thursday as the capital awaits the severe tropical storm slowly winding its way up the Japanese archipelago, bringing strong rain and winds hundreds of miles from the storm’s centre.
'Put people’s safety first,' says Japanese PM Kishida
Thursday 29 August 2024 09:45 , Stuti Mishra
Prime minister Fumio Kishida called for urgent action from ministers while prioritising public safety.
“Please continue to put people’s safety first and cooperate closely with local authorities to take all possible measures to keep the public informed, support evacuation in advance in areas where danger is anticipated, and maintain a well-prepared disaster response centred on the police, fire department, and Self-Defense Forces,” he said at a meeting, according to the Japan Times.
