A monstrous typhoon with deadly 160mph winds wreaked havoc in parts of Japan yesterday, claiming the lives of three people.
Typhoon Shanshan barrelled into Kyushu on Thursday morning, unleashing nearly two feet of rain in some areas, causing rivers to overflow and posing serious flood risks, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
The deluge was so severe that it surpassed the average rainfall for the entire month of August within just 24 hours.
More than five million residents were urged to evacuate as Typhoon Shanshan tore through Miyazaki city’s centre, toppling trees, tossing vehicles around in car parks, and shattering windows. Approximately 50 buildings suffered damage, according to the local disaster management team.
Caught in the chaos while driving a hearse, funeral parlour worker Tomoki Maeda from Miyazaki city said “I’ve never experienced such a strong wind or tornado in my 31 years of life.”
Local TV footage showed the raging waters of a river in Yufu, Oita Prefecture, slamming against a bridge. Injuries across Kyushu tallied over 70, with the majority occurring in Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures.
Some injuries were sustained by people being knocked over by the ferocious storm en route to shelters, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency said.
Kyushu Electric Power Co. has reported that around 168,000 households in Kyushu are without power, predominantly in Kagoshima prefecture.
Prior to the storm, a horrific landslide in Gamagori buried a house, killing three and injuring two, according to city officials.
As the storm approached, Shinkansen bullet trains between Tokyo and Osaka were halted Thursday night anticipating the harsh weather.
The service is expected to be disrupted into Friday in parts of the west and central regions. Disaster Management Minister Yoshifumi Matsumura has warned that the approaching Typhoon Shanshan could result in “unprecedented” violent winds and torrential rain.
In a preemptive safety meeting, he also advised, particularly the elderly, to seek shelter immediately at any sign of danger.
In line with the severe weather conditions, several hundred domestic flights across southwestern cities and islands have also been grounded.
