Typhoon “Shanshan” is rapidly approaching the Japanese islands, causing significant disruptions to the country’s transportation system, reports The Japan Times on Wednesday.
Japanese airlines have canceled nearly 200 flights in total, halting air traffic between the southern Amami Islands and Kyushu. The typhoon’s impact is expected to intensify over the coming days.
It has been announced that from Wednesday through Friday, high-speed train services between Kumamoto and Kagoshima prefectures on Kyushu will be suspended. This interruption in service is anticipated to affect thousands of passengers.
As of Wednesday, more than 13,000 homes in Kagoshima Prefecture have been left without electricity due to the storm. Power outages are likely to increase as the typhoon moves closer to the mainland.
According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the typhoon was located 70 kilometers south of Yakushima Island as of Wednesday morning. “Shanshan” is currently moving in a northern direction and is expected to make landfall on Kyushu by Thursday. Wind speeds in the affected areas are reaching up to 252 km/h, posing a serious threat to the region.
Meteorologists are warning residents about the heightened risk of landslides, floods in low-lying areas, and rivers overflowing their banks. In some southern parts of the Kyushu region, up to 60 centimeters of rainfall is expected within the next 24 hours.
Authorities are urging the public to stay vigilant and take necessary precautions as the typhoon approaches. Evacuation orders may be issued in vulnerable areas, and residents are advised to stay updated with the latest weather information.