Japan Braces for the Impact of Powerful Typhoon Shanshan

Japan is preparing for Typhoon Shanshan as it approaches the southwest, bringing heavy rains and strong winds. Airlines have canceled flights, and train services are delayed or suspended. Authorities urge residents to take precautionary measures, especially older adults. No damage or injuries have been reported yet.

Japan is on high alert as Typhoon Shanshan approaches the country's southwest at a slow pace, bringing with it the threat of heavy rains and strong winds. This impending weather condition has led airlines to cancel numerous flights and train operators to delay or suspend services through the weekend.

According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Typhoon Shanshan was positioned approximately 120 kilometers south of Yakushima as of Wednesday morning. The typhoon, packing winds of up to 180 kilometers per hour, is expected to head north toward Kyushu and potentially make landfall by Thursday. Authorities have issued high-level warnings for violent winds, high waves, and heavy rain, particularly in Kagoshima prefecture.

Disaster Management Minister Yoshifumi Matsumura urged residents to take early precautionary measures, such as checking the locations of nearby shelters. The government has canceled its annual earthquake drills to allocate more resources for disaster response, and so far, no significant damage or injuries have been reported. However, disruptions are expected, with dozens of flights canceled and train services suspended, especially in the Kyushu region.

(With inputs from agencies.)