Japan on alert for record rainfall as Typhoon Shanshan nears

TOKYO, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) — Typhoon Shanshan could make landfall in western Japan as early as Wednesday, Japan’s weather agency warned on Monday, urging residents, particularly those along the Pacific coast, to prepare for strong winds, high waves, and heavy rainfall.
The tenth typhoon of the year, now a powerful storm, is currently moving northwest over the ocean near the southwest Japanese island of Amami Oshima and could escalate into a “very powerful” storm later this week, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).
From Tuesday to Wednesday, the approaching typhoon is expected to bring extremely strong winds across western Japan, as the maximum sustained winds could reach 60 meters per second in southern Kyushu and Amami, while waves as high as 9 meters are anticipated in southern Kyushu, Shikoku, and Amami.
Citing heavy rainfall as a major concern, the JMA forecasted up to 300 to 400 millimeters of rain over the next 24 hours in some areas from western to eastern Japan by Thursday noon, an amount of rainfall that could lead to record-breaking floods and landslides.
A JMA spokesperson on Monday warned that if the typhoon slows down, rainfall amounts could increase further, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance.
Calling for strict precautions against landslides, flooding in low-lying areas, and the swelling and overflow of rivers, the agency is particularly concerned about the widespread impact from western to eastern Japan and advises residents to be prepared.
The Central Japan Railway Company, one of the country’s major railway operators, has announced potential service suspensions from Thursday to Saturday due to the typhoon. Travelers are urged to stay informed about weather updates and train operations, as unexpected changes in weather could lead to prolonged service interruptions. ■