The slow-moving Typhoon SanSan has wreaked havoc across Japan, bringing with it severe rainfall and strong winds that have resulted in widespread destruction. As time goes on, the damage continues to increase, with the death toll currently standing at four and the number of injured at 90. Additionally, more than 220,000 households have experienced power outages, leading to significant social disruption.
Typhoon SanSan has maintained its strength as it slowly moves across Japan, prolonging the impact of its rain clouds. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, as of 7:00 AM on the 30th, SanSan was passing near Oita Prefecture, bringing heavy rain to the Kanto and Tokai regions.
Due to the slow movement of the typhoon, the duration of rainfall has increased, resulting in record-breaking precipitation in some areas. In particular, Miyazaki Prefecture recorded 878mm of rain over a 72-hour period, which is 1.5 times the average rainfall for the entire month of August. Both Saeki City in Oita Prefecture and Shizuoka City in Shizuoka Prefecture also recorded their highest rainfall since records began in 1976.
The strong winds and heavy rain from Typhoon SanSan have already caused significant damage across Japan. In Kagoshima Prefecture, 225,310 households have suffered power outages, while 8,600 households in Nagasaki Prefecture have been affected as well, causing widespread inconvenience. Public transportation has also been severely impacted, with the Tokaido Shinkansen suspending operations across its entire line and the Kyushu Shinkansen also halting service. These disruptions underscore the severity of the typhoon's impact.
The central pressure of Typhoon SanSan was measured at 992 hectopascals (hPa), with maximum wind speeds of 23 meters per second and gusts reaching 35 meters per second. Although the wind speeds have slightly decreased, strong winds exceeding 15 meters per second are still being recorded within a 390km radius. The powerful rain clouds associated with the typhoon are expected to continue bringing heavy rain and strong winds across the Japanese archipelago.
The Japan Meteorological Agency has warned of further heavy rain and strong winds across the western and eastern parts of Japan on the 31st. There is a heightened risk of landslides, low-lying area flooding, and river overflows, and residents are urged to prepare thoroughly. The expected rainfall includes 180mm in the northern Kyushu and Chugoku regions, 150mm in the Kanto-Koshin region, and a staggering 400mm in the Tokai region.
Typhoon SanSan has demonstrated its power by causing widespread damage across Japan. Its slow movement has prolonged the presence of rain clouds, leading to record-breaking rainfall and strong winds. In addition to the loss of life, significant economic damage is expected. The Japanese government and residents remain vigilant to prevent further damage and will closely monitor the typhoon's path and rainfall in the coming days.
The lessons learned from Typhoon SanSan go beyond this natural disaster, prompting reflection on how to better prepare for extreme weather events caused by climate change. With the likelihood of more powerful typhoons and natural disasters in the future, it is crucial to develop more systematic and effective response strategies.
3-Line Summary for You
- The slow-moving Typhoon 'SanSan' has struck Japan, resulting in 4 deaths and 90 injuries.
- Record-breaking rainfall of 878mm over 72 hours was observed in Miyazaki Prefecture.
- The Japan Meteorological Agency warns of further heavy rain and strong winds, urging thorough preparations.