10 Aug 2023 | 02:33 PM UTC
Japan: Disruptions due to Typhoon Khanun ongoing across western regions as of Aug. 10
Disruptions following Typhoon Khanun ongoing across parts of western Japan as of Aug. 10. Casualties reported; lingering disruptions likely.
Event
Disruptions are ongoing across parts of western Japan as of late Aug. 10, following the passing of Typhoon Khanun. The center of the storm passed west of Okinawa main island as a typhoon Aug. 1, before curving around in the East China Sea and passing through the Amami Islands Aug. 5-6. Khanun weakened into a tropical storm as it then turned northwards in the Philippine Sea and tracked close to western Kyushu Aug. 8-9, passing over the Goto islands, Nagasaki Prefecture late Aug. 9.
Authorities confirmed two fatalities as the system passed through Okinawa Prefecture late Aug. 1. At least 88 other people were also injured in Okinawa Prefecture. As of late Aug. 10, at least 15 people have been injured across Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Saga, and Miyazaki prefectures as the storm passed west of Kyushu Region. Landslides have caused road closures in Kochi and Miyazaki prefectures. More than 6,000 households are without power across Fukuoka, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, and Oita prefectures. Hundreds of flights and many train and ferry services were canceled in the Ryukyu Islands Aug. 1-7 and in Kyushu and surrounding areas Aug. 8-10; however, most services in the Ryukyu Islands have since resumed, and those in western regions are starting to resume operations late Aug. 10-early Aug. 11. Residual delays are possible as transport operators work to clear backlogs upon service resumptions. Hundreds of thousands of people across southern Kyushu and surrounding areas were under evacuation orders as of early Aug. 10, but most of these orders have been rescinded as of late Aug. 10.
The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has warned that strong winds and heavy rainfall are likely to continue in Shikoku and northern Kyushu regions through early Aug. 11. As of late Aug. 10, red heavy rainfall and landslide warnings (the second lowest level on a four-tier scale) are in place across parts of Shikoku and southern Kyushu regions. Yellow heavy rainfall, landslide, flood, storm, high wave, and flood warnings are in place across parts of Shikoku and northern and southern Kyushu regions.
Protracted transport and business disruptions are almost certain in affected areas as emergency crews continue recovery efforts; utility disruptions may occur over the coming days and weeks. Shortages of fuel and other essential goods are possible in affected areas. Driving conditions will probably 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. 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. Prepare for possible communication disruptions, including mobile phone and internet services.
