Japan: Typhoon Talim leaves two dead /update 2

Event

Typhoon Talim ripped through the Japanese archipelago on Monday, September 18, leaving two people dead, three missing, and 38 others injured. Authorities have issued warnings of rainstorms, high seas, landslides, and flooding across the whole territory. Tens of thousands of residents were evacuated amid record rainfalls in some areas.

Talim made landfall in Japan’s southernmost Kyushu Island on Sunday, September 17, before moving northeastward and reaching Hokkaido Island by Monday morning (local time), dumping torrential rains, packing winds of up to 162 km/h (100 mph), and paralyzing transportation along the way. At least 116 domestic flights were canceled on Monday, while bullet train services remained suspended in several northern prefectures.

Context

The Japanese archipelago is significantly affected by the annual Pacific typhoon season, which runs from May to October with a peak of storms in August and September. In August 2017, Typhoon Noru temporarily evolved into a “super typhoon” with maximum sustained winds of 260 km/h (160 mph). Two people were killed in Japan and 210,000 were ordered to evacuate.

Advice

Individuals present in affected areas are advised to follow local weather forecasts and to adhere to any advice issued by the regional authorities (e.g. potential evacuation orders). Travelers are advised to confirm their flight reservations and to contact their airlines for further details. In the event of flooding, keep in mind that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products.