Typhoon Lan Causes Chaos in Japan: Flights Cancelled, Thousands Evacuated
TOKYO – Typhoon Lan wreaked havoc in Japan as it made landfall on Tuesday, causing widespread disruption and forcing the evacuation of thousands of people. The slow-moving typhoon crossed Japan’s main island of Honshu, not far from the ancient capital of Kyoto, bringing heavy rain and powerful winds.
Nearly 900 flights were cancelled, affecting travel plans for many passengers. In addition, approximately 240,000 people were ordered to move to safety as authorities issued flood and landslide warnings. Rivers rose to the top of their banks, with parts of some bridges being washed away. Tornadoes also formed in several areas, although they did not cause major damage.
The storm made landfall at the southern tip of Wakayama prefecture, approximately 400 km (250 miles) southwest of Tokyo. As it moved north, it continued to bring heavy rain and strong winds across central and western Japan. Power was cut off to tens of thousands of homes, and power outages affected almost 90,000 households in central and western areas.
The typhoon weakened to tropical storm strength by evening, but forecasters warned that concentrated rains were still possible across a wide area. The slow movement of the storm, at around 15 kilometers an hour (9.3 mph), raised concerns about potential flooding as rain continued to pelt the same areas for an extended period of time. Parts of central Japan recorded a staggering 585 mm (23 inches) of rain in the 24-hour period leading up to 7:00 p.m.
NHK public television reported that approximately two dozen people were injured, with one in serious condition. Authorities set up evacuation centers in safe buildings and high ground for residents across 11 prefectures, following the instructions of the Fire and Disaster Management Agency.
The dangerous weather conditions also led to the closure of roads and the suspension of dozens of train services. However, by Tuesday evening, some roads were reopening as the storm moved towards the Sea of Japan.
Typhoon Lan comes just days after Typhoon Khanun hit Japan during the peak Obon holiday season. The combination of these two storms has caused significant disruption and challenges for the country, as many factories close and city-dwellers return to their hometowns and villages.
The impact of Typhoon Lan is expected to be felt for some time, as authorities work to restore power and assess the damage caused by the storm. The safety and well-being of residents remain a top priority, and efforts are underway to provide support and assistance to those affected by the typhoon.
Reporting by Chang-Ran Kim, Kiyoshi Takenaka, Satoshi Sugiyama, and Elaine Lies; Editing by Shri Navaratnam, Lincoln Feast, and Bernadette Baum
What measures were taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the evacuated individuals during Typhoon Lan?
Rainfall, causing rivers to overflow and leading to flash flooding in some areas. The floodwaters submerged homes, roads, and agricultural fields, leaving local communities devastated.
In response to the impending typhoon, thousands of people were evacuated from their homes as a precautionary measure. Evacuation centers were set up in schools and community halls to provide temporary shelter for those displaced by the storm. The government, along with local authorities, worked together to ensure that people had access to food, water, and medical supplies.
The impact of the typhoon was felt beyond the affected areas, as transportation services faced major disruptions. The cancellation of nearly 900 flights not only affected passengers traveling within Japan but also those with international connections. Train services were also disrupted, with some lines being completely suspended.
Rescue and relief operations were launched to assist those affected by the storm. Emergency personnel, including the police, military, and local volunteers, were deployed to conduct search and rescue missions, as well as provide aid to those in need. Efforts were made to restore essential services, such as electricity and telecommunications, as quickly as possible.
Typhoon Lan serves as a reminder of the destructive power of natural disasters and the importance of preparedness and timely response. It highlighted the need for effective early warning systems, evacuation plans, and infrastructure resilience to mitigate the impact of such events. Authorities and communities are working together to assess the damage and provide support to those affected as they start the process of recovery.
I hope everyone stays safe and that the authorities are able to respond quickly to any emergency situations.