Japan: Typhoon Shanshan: Millions told to evacuate as one of the strongest typhoons in decades hits Japan

Image source Reuters

Typhoon Shanshan made landfall in Japan at 08:00 local time today (23:00 GMT) and has killed at least three people since developing off the coast earlier this week.

What is human impact?

Three people were confirmed dead after their home was damaged late Tuesday, public broadcaster NHK reported. At least 84 people were injured, according to NHK. Authorities advised more than five million people to evacuate their homes, but it is not known how many did so.

Is the infrastructure affected?

More than 700 flights have been canceled, two high-speed railway lines have been suspended, and more than 80 sections of expressways have been suspended. Meanwhile, more than 230,000 homes have been without power this morning and 90 homes have been without water.

What was it like for people on Earth?

One woman told a local TV station she didn’t think she could make it through the strong winds, adding: “I just wanted to survive.” One man described the tornado as “out of this world,” adding that it looked “scary.”

What can we expect next?

At a news conference this morning, Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary warned that the “slow-moving” typhoon could bring heavy rainfall. The Japan Meteorological Agency has since forecast up to 1,200 mm (43 inches) of rain in southern Kyushu by tomorrow morning. The typhoon itself is heading north.