Japan's Strongest Typhoon of the Year, Shanshan, Strikes Southwestern Kyushu with Fierce Winds and Heavy Rain

 

Typhoon Shanshan, Japan’s most powerful typhoon this year, has made landfall in the country's southwestern region, bringing with it destructive winds reaching up to 252 km/h (157 mph) and torrential rains capable of causing extensive damage. The typhoon, known locally as Typhoon No. 10, hit the island of Kyushu around 8 a.m., according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The storm has already left more than 250,000 homes without power.

The meteorological agency forecasted that southern Kyushu, including the prefectures of Kagoshima and Miyazaki, could receive up to 1,100mm (43 inches) of rain in the 48 hours leading up to Friday morning—almost half the region’s annual rainfall. This has led to a rare "special typhoon warning" being issued for much of Kagoshima, urging residents to stay vigilant as transport services and airlines canceled numerous trains and flights.

The slow pace of Typhoon Shanshan, moving northwards at just 15 km/h, raises concerns about the potential for prolonged and widespread damage. Already, there are reports of fatalities due to landslides, a common risk in Japan’s mountainous terrain, and tens of thousands of people have been advised to evacuate.

"Typhoon Shanshan is expected to approach southern Kyushu with extremely strong force through Thursday," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said. "There could be violent winds, high waves, and storm surges at levels never experienced before."

The severity of the storm has prompted major corporations, including Toyota, to halt operations across all 14 of its factories. Other car manufacturers have also paused production, according to reports from the Kyodo news agency.

Tragically, a landslide in the city of Gamagori resulted in the deaths of three family members—a couple in their 70s and their son in his 30s—while two daughters in their 40s were injured, as reported by Kyodo.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued its highest "special warning" for severe storms, high waves, and storm surges across parts of Kagoshima Prefecture. Authorities have urged 56,000 residents to evacuate. NHK TV broadcast footage showing extensive damage, including roofs blown off houses, shattered windows, and uprooted trees. One resident in Miyazaki described the force of the storm, saying, "Our carport roof was blown away entirely... My kids thought it was an earthquake."

Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways (ANA) have canceled hundreds of flights, affecting approximately 25,000 passengers. The Kyushu Railway Company also suspended some bullet train services between Kumamoto and Kagoshima Chuo and warned of potential disruptions on other routes, depending on the weather.

Typhoon Shanshan follows Typhoon Ampil, which caused disruptions earlier this month, and comes on the heels of Tropical Storm Maria, which brought record rainfall to northern Japan. The country has rarely issued special typhoon warnings—only three times in the past—highlighting the extraordinary nature of the current situation.

Experts have linked the increasing frequency and intensity of such storms to climate change. Studies indicate that warming oceans, which provide more energy for storm formation, have led to more intense and longer-lasting tropical cyclones in the region. Additionally, warmer air holds more moisture, resulting in increased rainfall from such storms. Rising sea levels have also made coastal storm surges more destructive.

With Typhoon Shanshan moving slowly, its potential to cause widespread and prolonged damage remains high. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and urge residents to take necessary precautions as Japan faces yet another extreme weather event.