East China Sea: Severe Tropical Storm Khanun tracking eastward towards the Amami Islands, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, as of late Aug. 5 /update 10

Event

Severe Tropical Storm Khanun is tracking eastward in the East China Sea, approaching the Amami Islands, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, late Aug. 5. As of 21:00 JST, the system's center of circulation was approximately 159 km (99 miles) north-northeast of Kadena Air Base in Okinawa.

Forecast models indicate that the storm will make landfall over Tokuno Island, Kagoshima Prefecture, early Aug. 6. After landfall, Khanun is forecast to reenter the Philippine Sea and strengthen slightly as it gradually turns to track north-northwestward toward southern Kyushu, Japan, before making another landfall in the adjoining area of Kagoshima and Miyazaki prefectures early Aug. 9. The storm is likely to weaken slightly as it continues northward across Kyushu, exiting into the Sea of Japan late Aug. 9 and tracking north-northeastward off South Korea's eastern coast through Aug. 10. Uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and significant changes could occur in the coming days.

As of late Aug. 5, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) is maintaining purple (the highest level on a three-tier scale) storm surge warnings across the Amami region of Kagoshima Prefecture and purple heavy rain and landslide warnings for central and southern Okinawa main island. Red storm, heavy rain, landslide, flood, and high wave warnings have been issued across parts of Okinawa Prefecture and the Amami region of Kagoshima Prefecture, as well as numerous yellow warnings across parts of southwestern and western Japan. The JMA has advised residents to move into a sturdy building and stay away from windows indoors, be extremely vigilant against strong winds, and be careful of high waves. Rainfall totals of around 30 cm (12 inches) are expected in parts of the Amami Islands and southern Kyushua Region Aug. 6, as well as 25 cm (10 inches) in Okinawa Prefecture, 18 cm (7 inches) in Shikoku Region, and 12 cm (5 inches) in Tokai and northern Kyushu regions. Heavy rainfall is forecast to persist over much of central and western Japan Aug. 7-10.

Authorities have confirmed two fatalities in Okinawa Prefecture late Aug. 1; one in Ogimi Village due to a collapsed garage and another in Uruma City due to an accident that burnt down a house. The inclement weather has injured at least 82 people in Okinawa Prefecture. Authorities are maintaining evacuation orders for hundreds of thousands of people across Itoman, Nago, Naha, Nanjo, Tomigusuku, and Urasoe cities and other smaller towns and villages in Okinawa Prefecture and Amami City and other smaller towns and villages in the Amami Islands in Kagoshima Prefecture. At the height of the typhoon, hundreds of thousands of households were without power across Okinawa Prefecture and the Amami Islands; crews have mostly restored power supplies. However, as of late Aug. 5, more than 30,000 households remained without power in Okinawa Prefecture.

Airlines canceled hundreds of flights across Okinawa and Kagoshima prefectures Aug. 1-5. Some flights have resumed but flight cancellations and delays are ongoing as of Aug. 5. All Nippon Airways (NH) has canceled all flights at Naha Airport (OKA) Aug. 5. Further flight cancellations and delays are possible as airlines work to clear backlogs. Reports indicate that cargo ships between mainland Japan and Okinawa Prefecture are scheduled to resume Aug. 8. Ferries and bus services have been canceled in Kagoshima Prefecture and rail operators have warned of reduced services across parts of southern Kyushu region.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. If weather conditions prove hazardous, localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible.

The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions and render some bridges or roadways impassable. Additional flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.

Advice

Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical storm conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.

Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. 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

Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC)
Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA)
China Meteorological Administration
Korea Meteorological Administration