Tropical Cyclone Shanshan Leaves Seven Dead And Causes Widespread Damage In Japan

Tropical Cyclone Shanshan, downgraded from a typhoon, has caused seven fatalities and extensive damage in central Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency warns of landslides, floods, and rising river levels due to record rainfall. Disruptions to Shinkansen services are ongoing, though some routes will resume later on Sunday.

Cyclone Hits Central Japan

Tropical Cyclone Shanshan, which has been downgraded from a typhoon, battered central Japan’s Pacific coast on Sunday, resulting in seven fatalities and significant destruction. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) continues to issue warnings for landslides, floods, and rising river levels due to record rainfall.

Weather Warnings and Disruptions

The JMA reported that unstable atmospheric conditions, exacerbated by rain clouds and moist air from a Pacific high-pressure system, are causing severe rain and thunderstorms across eastern Japan. The agency cautioned that ground saturation from recent rainfall has increased the risk of landslides and flooding in both western and eastern regions.

Transport Disruptions

Shinkansen “bullet train” services have been disrupted by the storm, though Central Japan Railway announced that Tokyo-Osaka services, previously suspended in some areas, will resume on Sunday evening.

Fatalities and Continued Impact

Fukuoka in southwestern Japan reported the seventh death linked to Cyclone Shanshan, according to Kyodo news agency. As the cyclone moved eastward, it drenched vast areas, triggering landslide and flood warnings well beyond the storm’s center.