Typhoon Shanshan Disrupts Japan: Evacuations, Power Outages, and Factory Closures

Millions have been ordered to evacuate due to Typhoon Shanshan in southwest Japan. The typhoon has caused power outages, business closures, and significant disruptions. Three deaths and multiple injuries have been reported. Major companies like Toyota have halted operations, and travel services have been severely impacted.

Millions of people were ordered to evacuate their homes as Typhoon Shanshan lashed southwest Japan with strong winds and torrential rain on Thursday. The storm has caused power outages, snarled air traffic, and forced major factories to close. At least three people have died and scores are injured in what authorities warn could be one of the strongest storms to hit the region.

Toyota suspended operations in all of its domestic plants, with other automakers and semiconductor firms following suit. Tomoki Maeda, a funeral parlour employee, experienced shattered windows and torn power lines in Miyazaki city. The typhoon brought gusts strong enough to blow over moving trucks and is expected to move northwards.

Over 200,000 households across seven prefectures are without power, although there is no impact at the Sendai Nuclear Power Plant. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed three deaths and one missing person due to the typhoon. The storm is expected to move towards central and eastern regions, including Tokyo, over the weekend.

(With inputs from agencies.)