Japan is grappling with the aftermath of Typhoon Shanshan, one of the most powerful storms to hit the nation in decades, which has left a trail of destruction, multiple fatalities, and widespread disruption. The typhoon slammed into the southern island of Kyushu on Thursday with wind speeds reaching 252 km/h, causing at least five deaths, dozens of injuries, and severe damage to infrastructure. Authorities issued their highest-level evacuation orders, affecting over five million people, as fears of flooding and landslides escalated.

Catastrophic impact on Kyushu

Typhoon Shanshan, categorised as one of the strongest storms to make landfall in Japan since 1960, initially struck Kyushu, bringing with it torrential rains and gale-force winds. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) reported that Kyushu experienced record-breaking rainfall, with the town of Misato recording 791.5 millimetres in just 48 hours. Authorities urged residents in high-risk areas, such as Kunisaki in Oita Prefecture, to evacuate to safer, elevated locations. The intense weather conditions caused rivers to overflow, submerging roads and causing significant property damage, including nearly 200 homes in Miyazaki Prefecture alone.

Widespread damage and casualties

The storm’s fury led to at least five reported fatalities, including a man whose home collapsed in Tokushima Prefecture. Additionally, heavy rainfall in Aichi Prefecture, located 1,000 kilometres from Kyushu, triggered a landslide earlier in the week, resulting in the deaths of three family members. The typhoon has left around 187,000 homes without power, while at least 80 people across the island were reported injured. Kyushu’s utility operators continue efforts to restore power and clear debris caused by the storm.

Economic impact and response

The economic ramifications have been extensive. Major automobile manufacturers, including Toyota, Nissan, and Honda, were forced to halt operations at their Kyushu plants, and semiconductor companies like Tokyo Electron also suspended production. This disruption highlights the vulnerability of Japan’s industrial base in Kyushu, which is a significant hub for the semiconductor industry, including the recently opened Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company plant. Transportation networks were heavily affected, with over 1,000 domestic and four international flights cancelled, affecting more than 44,000 passengers. Shinkansen bullet train services were also disrupted between Hakata in Kyushu and Tokyo, impacting commuters and logistics.

Expert opinions on climate change

Experts have pointed to climate change as a contributing factor in the increased frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events. Recent studies suggest that warming ocean temperatures are causing typhoons to form closer to coastlines and intensify more rapidly. A study by World Weather Attribution indicated that climate change exacerbated the severity of Typhoon Gaemi earlier this year, which caused significant destruction across the Philippines, Taiwan, and China. Typhoon Shanshan is seen as another manifestation of this alarming trend, underscoring the urgent need for enhanced disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure in Japan.

A call for resilience

As Japan faces the aftermath of Typhoon Shanshan, the government and citizens are focused on rescue operations, recovery efforts, and restoring normalcy. The storm’s devastation highlights the growing threat of climate-induced extreme weather, demanding urgent action to bolster resilience against future catastrophes.

Japan must urgently reconsider its disaster preparedness strategies as extreme weather events become more frequent due to climate change, countries like Japan need to invest more in resilient infrastructure and community education to mitigate future risks.

  Aichi Prefecture, Honda, Japan, Kunisaki, Kyushu, Miyazaki, Nissan, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Tokyo Electron, Toyota, Typhoon Shanshan, World Weather Attribution