As tropical cyclone Shanshan continues to slam into Japan, thousands of people have been asked to leave Tokyo. Since making landfall as a tornado on Thursday, Shanshan has caused the deaths of six people and left lots injured, becoming one of the most effective storms to hit the country’s south in years, reported the Independent.
The most recent victims reported by the wind are an 80-year-old person and a man who was trapped beneath a fallen roof, and three others have died in floods. At a rate of 10 km/h, the cyclone is gradually moving northeast toward Tokyo by the weekend.
Record rainfall and river warnings in Tokyo
After causing severe damage near Kunisaki in Oita Prefecture the day before, the wind made its way to Central Japan on Saturday, with maximum sustained winds of 72 km/h and gusts up to 108 km/h. Concerns over flood and swollen streams have been raised by the fact that some areas have already experienced record precipitation.
Three river in Tokyo especially Meguro, Nogawa, and Sengawa are under a Level 4 notice issued by the wind firm. Many cities are still on emergency emails, and many train lines are also impacted.
Travel disruptions and preemptive measures
Major travel disruptions have been caused by Shanshan in Japan. Airlines are organizing other flights for stranded passengers despite the number of flights being canceled. A destroyed bridge and layers of dirt and branches were left behind by the wind in the southwest of the nation.
Between Nagoya and Mishima, the Tokaido gun train service was suspended due to the storm’s potential greatest impact. Additionally, various regional trains are operating on prolonged schedules.
Authorities on the island of Kyushu had prematurely shut down large portions of the island because the storm was expected to be one of the strongest to hit the area always. Shanshan made land on the southwest area of Kyushu early on Thursday, bringing gusts with gusts averaging up to 200 km/h.
Central Japan is still impacted by the wind.
On Saturday, Shanshan made its way into northern Japan. As a result, carriages were stopped and underground passages were left brimming with fluids. Authorities warned of heavy floods in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka.
The wind passed over the southern portion of the major Honshu area at a rate of 15 km/ph by late day, sputtering over the southern area of Shikoku. It is anticipated to change some of Japan through Sunday and Monday, but its actual route is still undetermined.
Ongoing consequences of Shanshan despite weakening
First categorised as a tornado, Shanshan made ashore on Thursday. Although it has weakened, the storm’s slow activity has resulted in prolonged, heavy rain covering a large place.
Despite weakening to a tropical wind, Shanshan has continued to bring strong breezes, high tides, and heavy snowfall as it moves north. Officials are still on high alert as the storm is forecast to hit Tokyo over the weekend.
Local officials had warned people about the possible intensity of the approaching storm, which prompted actions like shutting down large portions of Kyushu forward of Shanshan’s ashore.
