Japan: Recovery efforts ongoing as of Sept. 20 following passage of Typhoon Nanmadol

Event

Recovery efforts are ongoing in most of Japan as of Sept. 20 following the passage of Typhoon Nanmadol. The storm made landfall near Kagoshima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, late Sept. 18, and Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, early Sept. 19, causing widespread flooding and landslides. The storm tracked across western Japan into the Tohoku region through early Sept. 20.

Although weather conditions have improved across much of the region, the Japan Meteorological Agency has issued orange high wave, heavy rain, and landslide warnings (the middle level on a three-tier scale) across Tottori, northern Hyogo, northern Kyoto, Fukui, Ishikawa, Toyama, Niigata, eastern Fukushima, central Shizuoka, Kanagawa, Iwate, and eastern Hokkaido prefectures, with yellow advisories in force in the remainder of Japan. Authorities have warned of heavy rain over northern and eastern Japan through the afternoon of Sept. 21; rainfall of 8 cm (3 inches) over the Kanto Koshin region and 6 cm (2.5 inches) over the Tohoku region are forecast. Strong winds, lightning, tornadoes, landslides, and floods are possible.

Authorities in Japan have confirmed one fatality in Mimata Town, Miyazaki Prefecture, due to a landslide Sept. 19 and another fatality in Miyakonojo City, Miyazaki Prefecture, due to floodwaters. At least one person in Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, remains missing. Reports indicate more than 110 injuries and at least 100 damaged structures across Japan, with the worst-hit Kagoshima, Fukuoka, and Oita prefectures. As of early Sept. 20, more than 165,000 people remain evacuated across Kanagawa, Ishikawa, Gifu, Shimane, Hiroshima, Tokushima, Ehime, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima prefectures.

Flooding of the Ota River in Hiroshima Prefecture and the Kumame and Yanase rivers in Kochi Prefecture has damaged farmlands and roads. As of early Sept. 20, more than 130,000 households across Japan, mostly in Kyushu, were without power, with Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures the worst-hit. Mobile phone connections remain disrupted across Kyushu, Shikoku, and Chugoku regions.

Authorities canceled more than 2,600 flights Sept. 16-20. Officials confirmed that the Shinkansen resumed normal operations Sept. 20. Part of National Route 327 has collapsed in Nanatsuyama, Morotsuka Village.

Protracted transport and business disruptions are almost certain as emergency crews continue recovery efforts; utility disruptions will probably occur over the coming days and weeks. Shortages of fuel and other essential goods are likely. Driving conditions may be difficult on rural routes and regional highways.

Advice

Monitor local media for updates and advisories on weather conditions. Make allowances for possible supply chain disruptions in affected areas. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in case prolonged electricity outages occur.

Use extreme caution in low-lying areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for flooding. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.

Resources

Japan Meteorological Agency
Korea Meteorological Administration