Japan braces for powerful Typhoon Shanshan.
Typhoon Shanshan approached southern Japan on Wednesday, prompting evacuations across multiple regions. The Japan Meteorological Agency estimated it was 70km off Yakushima with winds up to 250km/h.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi warned residents of violent winds and high waves. Authorities issued evacuation orders for over 800,000 people in Kagoshima prefecture and areas near Tokyo.
Automaker Toyota suspended operations at all 14 domestic plants until Thursday. Several major airlines canceled hundreds of flights through Friday, affecting around 25,000 travelers. Shinkansen bullet trains may also face disruptions.
Postal services and stores planned shutdowns in southern regions. Kyushu Railway was notified of possible train cancellations depending on conditions. Memorandum Minister Yoshifumi Matsumura urged residents to prepare shelter locations in Shanshan’s path.
Following Typhoon Ampil earlier this month, Japan braces for another powerful storm. Climate studies suggest such typhoons are forming closer to land and intensifying rapidly due to warming.
Disaster authorities encourage early precautions to protect lives as Shanshan approaches central regions by the weekend.
