Japan's southwestern island of Kyushu is facing one of the most intense typhoons ever as Typhoon Shanshan unleashed its fury on Thursday. 🌪️🌧️
Millions of residents have been urged to evacuate as strong winds and heavy rains batter the region, leading to blackouts, flight cancellations, and the shutdown of major factories. ✈️🚫
\"I've never experienced such a strong wind or tornado in my 31 years of life,\" said funeral parlor employee Tomoki Maeda from Miyazaki city. The typhoon shattered windows and tore down walls, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. 😱
The storm, packing gusts up to 180 km/h, made landfall near Satsumasendai city and is moving north at about 15 km/h. Around 230,000 households in seven prefectures are without power, and the Sendai Nuclear Power Plant reported no impact from the storm. ⚡
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi reported three fatalities and one missing person, with at least 45 others injured. Authorities have issued evacuation notices to over 5.2 million people across the country. 🏃♂️🏃♀️
Major companies like Toyota, Nissan, and Honda have suspended operations in some plants. Airlines have canceled nearly 800 flights, and train services are halted in many areas. It's a traveler's nightmare! 🚗🚄
Madoka Kubo, a hotel owner in Hitoyoshi city, said all reservations were canceled, and her hotel is now housing elderly evacuees. \"We're doing what we can to help our community,\" she shared. ❤️
Brace yourselves, Tokyo! The weather agency warns that after hovering over Kyushu, Typhoon Shanshan is expected to approach central and eastern regions, including the capital, around the weekend. Stay safe out there! 🌂
This is the latest in a series of harsh weather events hitting Japan, following Typhoon Ampil earlier this month. Let's hope for brighter skies ahead! ☀️
Reference(s):
Millions evacuated as typhoon slams Japan's Kyushu, halting flights
cgtn.com
