Category 4 Typhoon Shanshan Hits Japan's Kyushu, Causing 3 Deaths and Power Outages for 250,000 Households

Aug 28, 2024, 11:25 PM

Typhoon Shanshan, one of the strongest storms in recent history, has made landfall on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu, particularly affecting areas such as Satsumasendai, Makurazaki, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. The storm, which reached Category 4 strength, brought torrential rain and winds of up to 180 kilometers per hour, leading to widespread power outages affecting over 250,000 households. Authorities issued evacuation orders to millions as the typhoon triggered landslides and flooding, resulting in at least three deaths and dozens of injuries. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued its highest level of warning for Kagoshima Prefecture, highlighting the severity of the situation. Public transportation, including flights and trains, faced severe disruptions, and many factories and shops were forced to close. The storm's slow movement has exacerbated the risk of prolonged flooding and landslides, with rainfall totals expected to exceed 1,000 millimeters in some areas.