Japan: Hundreds of thousands without power in Kyushu region due to Typhoon Haishen September 6-7 /update 2

Event

Nearly 430,000 homes in the Kyushu region have been left without power as Typhoon Haishen skirted the region on Sunday, September 6, into the early hours of Monday, September 7. So far, at least 24 people are reported to have been injured by the powerful storm. Whilst the details of the full impact of the storm system are still emerging, floods and landslides are feared due to the amount of rainfall that fell and strong winds are likely to have caused infrastructural damage. Authorities issued evacuation orders to more than 1.8 million people due to the approaching storm on Sunday. Factories, schools, and businesses across western Japan have closed and hundreds of flights and train services canceled.

Further residual disruptions to utilities, business, and travel are expected in the near term and flooding and landslides are possible in some areas.

Context

The typhoon season lasts from May to October, whilst most storm systems form between July and September. In general, storms can bring heavy downpours and strong winds as well as trigger storm surges that threaten human populations and infrastructure. Secondary effects include riverine floods and landslides, both of which can result in human casualties and mass evacuations, as well as travel and service disruptions. Although storm systems usually affect southern Japan, other parts of the country are also vulnerable to these hazards.

Advice

Those in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, avoid areas directly affected by flooding, confirm road conditions before setting out, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.