Typhoon Lan Causes Evacuations and Disruptions in Western Japan

Typhoon Lan has made landfall in western Japan, prompting evacuation warnings for over 237,000 people across 11 prefectures, according to the nation’s fire and disaster management agency. The storm, which originated in the Pacific Ocean, reached land early Tuesday morning near Shionomisaki in the Wakayama prefecture with winds of about 160 kilometers per hour (100 miles per hour), equivalent to a Category 2 hurricane.

As a result of the typhoon, all commercial flights flying out of Chubu, Kansai, and Nagoya airports were suspended on Tuesday, leading to over 950 cancellations throughout the country, as reported by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Tourism. This includes the suspension of all Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways (ANA) flights.

Police and fire officials have reported at least 26 injuries in five prefectures across western Japan, with two injuries in Shiga, three in Kyoto, three in Wakayama, seven in Hyogo, and 11 in Osaka, according to Japan’s public broadcaster NHK. Additionally, severe rainfall has caused flooding and landslides in two towns in the Tottori and Okayama prefectures. The Kagamino town in Okayama recorded 461.5 millimeters (18 inches) of rainfall, while Tottori city recorded 483 millimeters (19 inches), surpassing the average for the entire month of August, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

Flood and landslide warnings have been issued as rivers rose above buildings and bridges were washed away. Tornadoes also formed in several areas, although they did not cause major damage. The center of the storm weakened to tropical storm strength as it moved towards the Sea of Japan by evening, but forecasters have warned of the risk of concentrated rains.

This is not the first severe weather event that Japan has faced recently. In early August, Typhoon Khanun impacted the southwestern part of the country, and in July, heavy rainfall resulted in the deaths of at least six people. Additionally, parts of Japan experienced a severe heatwave with temperatures exceeding 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Japanese government and local authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide assistance to affected areas.

How many people were issued evacuation warnings in response to Typhoon Lan in Japan?

Typhoon Lan Strikes Japan: Evacuations and Flight Disruptions

In a powerful display of nature’s force, Typhoon Lan has made its presence known in western Japan. As the storm arrived early Tuesday morning near Shionomisaki in the Wakayama prefecture, wind speeds reached an alarming 160 kilometers per hour (100 miles per hour), akin to a Category 2 hurricane.

The consequences of this typhoon have been far-reaching. More than 237,000 people across 11 prefectures were issued evacuation warnings by Japan’s fire and disaster management agency. In response, commercial flights departing from Chubu, Kansai, and Nagoya airports were promptly suspended, causing over 950 cancellations countrywide. Notably, all Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways (ANA) flights were affected.

Unfortunately, the effects of Typhoon Lan have not been limited to flight disruptions. Reports from authorities reveal that at least 26 individuals have sustained injuries in five prefectures across western Japan, with areas like Shiga, Kyoto, and Hyogo among those affected most severely. Meanwhile, two towns in the Tottori and Okayama prefectures have experienced flooding and landslides due to intense rainfall. Exceeding monthly averages, Kagamino town recorded a staggering 461.5 millimeters (18 inches) of rainfall, while Tottori city saw 483 millimeters (19 inches) in just a few hours, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.

As rivers surged beyond their limits, flood and landslide warnings were promptly issued. Some areas also witnessed the formation of tornadoes, although they thankfully caused minimal damage. By evening, the storm weakened as it moved towards the Sea of Japan, now being classified as a tropical storm. However, forecasters have cautioned against the risk of concentrated rains in the coming days.

Regrettably, this is not Japan’s first encounter with severe weather events as of late. Typhoon Khanun impacted the southwestern region in early August, while heavy rainfall in July resulted in the unfortunate loss of at least six lives. Furthermore, a severe heatwave plagued parts of the country, with temperatures soaring above 102 degrees Fahrenheit.

To address the current situation, the Japanese government and local authorities remain vigilant, continuously monitoring developments and extending support to affected areas.