A view over Miyazaki Prefecture, western Japan, on August 28, 2024, as Typhoon Shanshan approaches.
Japan issued an emergency warning on Wednesday (August 28, 2024) as powerful Typhoon Shanshan heads towards the southwestern region with heavy rain and strong winds, forcing Toyota Motor to suspend operations at all its domestic factories.
Airlines and rail operators have also cancelled some services for the coming days as the “very strong” category storm packs winds of up to 50 metres per second, with gusts up to 70 metres per second (252 km/h/157 mph).
The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that “maximum caution is needed, as forecasts mention strong winds, high waves and high tides, which have not been seen before.”
“Shanshan is expected to reach Japan’s southwestern Kyushu island in the next few days and reach central and eastern regions, including the capital Tokyo, over the weekend,” the JMA said.
Authorities issued evacuation orders for more than 800,000 residents in Kyushu’s Kagoshima Prefecture and central Aichi and Shizuoka prefectures.
In Aichi, where Toyota is headquartered, two people are missing from a house that collapsed in a landslide during heavy rains. The home’s three residents were evacuated, according to the public broadcaster. NHK,
“Toyota will halt operations at all 14 plants in Japan from Wednesday evening until Thursday morning,” the company said. Typhoon Shanshan is the worst weather to hit Japan since Typhoon Ampil last week, which caused blackouts and evacuations.
ANA Holdings said it would cancel more than 210 domestic flights departing from or arriving in southwestern Japan from Wednesday to Friday (Aug 28 to 30), affecting about 18,400 passengers.
Japan Airlines said it would cancel 170 domestic flights through Thursday (August 29, 2024). A total of 10 international flights operated by both airlines will also be suspended.