Millions Evacuated as Typhoon Shanshan Hits Japan’s Kyushu

Typhoon Shanshan struck southwestern Japan on Thursday, prompting evacuation orders for over 5.2 million residents, Arab News reported yesterday.

With gusts reaching 198 kph (50 m/s), the storm made landfall near Satsumasendai city, causing widespread destruction, power outages, and halting air traffic. At least three fatalities and numerous injuries have been reported.

Major manufacturers, including Toyota, Nissan, and Honda, suspended operations at domestic plants due to the severe weather. In Miyazaki city, funeral parlour employee Tomoki Maeda described the winds as unprecedented in his 31 years.

As of the afternoon, around 230,000 households across seven prefectures were without power. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed three deaths and one missing person linked to the typhoon, with 45 individuals injured.

The storm is expected to linger over Kyushu before moving towards central and eastern Japan, including Tokyo, over the weekend. Airlines, such as ANA and Japan Airlines, canceled nearly 800 flights, while train services and numerous bus and ferry routes were also suspended. Typhoon Shanshan follows Typhoon Ampil, which recently caused similar disruptions.