A powerful typhoon, Shanshan, hit Japan on Thursday, but has since been downgraded to a tropical storm. Despite its downgrade, the storm is still causing disruptions to flights and trains in Japan. The typhoon had a swift landfall with wind speeds of 252kmh that have now eased to 90kmh. At least six people were killed and over 120 were injured as a result of the typhoon, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency.
As of Saturday, Shanshan was located off the western Wakayama region and moving eastward. Airlines such as ANA and Japan Airlines were forced to cancel around 60 domestic flights, affecting almost 7,200 passengers. Additionally, Shinkansen bullet trains in Nagoya were suspended due to the storm. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued warnings for landslides, flooding, and overflowing rivers, urging residents to remain vigilant.
Some areas in Japan have already faced the consequences of heavy rains, including a city in the central Gifu region that issued a top evacuation warning to its 2,000 residents near an overflowing river. Heavy rain was also reported in certain areas of northern Hokkaido. Moreover, over 32,000 households in the southern Kagoshima region, where Shanshan made landfall, remained without power as a result of the storm.
Climate scientists have linked the increased frequency and intensity of heavy rain in Japan to climate change. Warmer atmospheric temperatures hold more moisture, leading to more extreme weather events. In 2021, heavy rainfall in the central resort town of Atami triggered a devastating landslide that claimed the lives of 27 people. Additionally, in 2018, floods and landslides caused by heavy rains resulted in the deaths of more than 200 people in western Japan during the country’s annual rainy season.
In conclusion, the aftermath of Typhoon Shanshan serves as a reminder of the risks associated with extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change. The importance of heeding warnings from meteorological agencies and taking precautionary measures to protect lives and infrastructure cannot be overstated. As Japan and other countries continue to face the impacts of climate change, it is crucial to prioritize resilience and adaptation strategies to mitigate the effects of these natural disasters and safeguard communities.