Japan Braces for Super Typhoon Shanshan with Factory Closures and Mass Evacuations

Southwestern Japan is preparing for Typhoon Shanshan, anticipated to be one of the strongest storms in the region's history. Authorities have ordered evacuations, and major companies like Toyota and Nissan are closing factories. Airlines and rail operators have canceled services as the storm heads towards Kyushu and potentially Tokyo.

Southwestern Japan is on high alert as Typhoon Shanshan, potentially one of the strongest storms ever to hit the region, approaches. Residents in the typhoon's path have been ordered to evacuate, and major corporations, including Toyota, have shut down factories in anticipation of the severe weather.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued an emergency warning, citing risks of flooding, landslides, and devastating winds. 'Maximum caution is required with forecasts predicting unprecedented strong winds, high waves, and high tides,' said Satoshi Sugimoto, the agency's chief forecaster.

Authorities have issued evacuation orders affecting over 800,000 residents across multiple prefectures. Toyota, Nissan, and Honda have suspended operations, with Toyota halting production across all 14 of its domestic plants. Airlines have also canceled hundreds of flights, disrupting travel plans for thousands of passengers.

(With inputs from agencies.)